One of the most common questions we get asked by first time parents is about disciplining their child. Most are afraid to start too soon, but don’t want to wait too long and have a brat on their hands. They’re afraid of being seen as a child abuser, but at the same time, want their child to obey them, so they can protect the child. So, what’s the right answer?
First of all, we must take into consideration that all children are born with two great character flaws. First of all, they are all self-centered. As far as a baby is concerned, they are the center of the universe. All they have to do is cry, and the whole world jumps to serve them. While that might be fine when they are six months old, it’s a serious problem when they get to be six years old. The other great problem is that they are all rebellious. They want to do it their way, at their time and that’s just the way it is.
Okay, we obviously can’t let our children grow up with these two character flaws. If we do, we just might end up visiting them in prison. So, what’s the answer? When do we start disciplining them?
It seems that one of the first words that a baby learns to speak is the word “no.” They may act as if they don’t understand it when you say it, but they sure know how to use it when they want to. I’m not talking about babbling here, I’m talking about them speaking, because they want to convey a message.
As soon as a toddler knows the meaning of the word “no” they are ready to start disciplining. They might be furious when you use it on them; and even more furious if you pat their hand to put emphasis on that “no” but they’ll be able to understand you. Since they can understand, they can start to learn. They might not like it, but that’s okay; it’s easier to start when they’re small.