Try saying a “no” to your baby and you will be rewarded with a lot of drama and waterworks or just be neglected. If your baby is not old enough to understand the word “no”, the word will have no meaning to them and so they will ignore it, no matter how affectionately or forcefully you use it. So, when do babies understand the word no?
Babies can understand and tune into your emotions and temperament much earlier than you would imagine. Despite knowing you are displeased or do not approve of what they are about to do, they will do it. This is not to defy you, but it is their way of exploring and understanding the big world around them.
In This Article
- Teaching Discipline to a Baby – Is it Possible?
- When Do Babies Understand The Word “No”?
- Top 4 Easy Ways to Discipline Your Baby
- FAQ’s
Teaching Discipline to a Baby – Is it Possible?
Disciplining a baby can be hard but not impossible. It requires a lot of patience, time, and effort from the parents. Remember, your baby is just curious and exploring. They are not trying to defy you. You need to discipline them with patience and love.
When Do Babies Understand the Word “No”?
Using the word repetitively followed by action can teach your baby the meaning of the word “no”. Saying no and stopping them from doing what they are about to, will teach your baby the meaning of the word. A baby can understand this around 10-18 months of age. However, each baby is different and some babies may need a little more time.
Top 4 Easy Ways to Discipline Your Baby
Though disciplining has been a strict and harsh process in the past generations, it need not be so for your baby. Here are a few ways in which you can lovingly yet effectively discipline your baby:
1. Don’t be Too Strict With Them
Babies are meant to explore their surroundings and their abilities. Stopping them from doing anything can be the safest way to protect them but that will only hinder their development. So, don’t be too strict with them. Give them some room for exploration and growth.
2. Be Patient With Them
Remember, a baby’s brain development is very limited. What you teach them today may not be remembered tomorrow. Their memories are short, and their curiosity is very high. So, even if you tell a no or teach them something several times, they will take a nap, wake up and do it again. You need to keep reminding them lovingly despite it being a test of your patience.
3. Don’t Always Say No
Parents are famous for using the word “no” more than any other word. It is natural to stop your baby from doing anything dangerous or harmful. However, you need to let them learn and grow. Give your baby opportunities to make mistakes, fall, and learn from those experiences. If you say “no” to everything, babies will start finding ways to do things behind your back, which can be very dangerous.
4. Praise Them and Show Them You Care
We are all quick to correct mistakes and point out faults. Parents must be equally quick to note the positives too. Let your baby know you notice the good things and won’t hesitate to appreciate the good behavior too. Let them know you see the good in them and love them no matter what.
Saying a “NO” is not wrong and is necessary for parenting. Similarly, babies defying a “no” is not wrong either. Disciplining your baby can be a constructive journey without much of a power struggle if you are patient and loving with them despite everything.
FAQ’s
1. What Can I Say Instead of Saying “No” to My Baby?
Instead of saying a blunt no, explain the situation to them. Tell them about the consequences of the action. When you take the time and put in the effort to explain, your baby will respond better.
2. Can I Let My Baby Face the Consequences Instead of Saying a “No”?
If it is not anything dangerous, letting them face the consequence can sometimes be a better way of teaching than saying a “no”. Babies tend to remember such lessons better than the caution “no”.
3. Is it Okay to Use the Word “No” With My Baby?
It depends on how you use it and why you use it. It is important to teach your baby to hear the word “no” as they are not going to hear just “yes” as they grow up.
Read Also: When Will My Baby Speak Her First Word?
