| w do you discipline an infant? Does the question sound | | | | proponents strongly assert that it is not possible to |
| ridiculous to you? Do you think it is improper, even | | | | spoil a baby while others believe otherwise. The |
| impossible, to discipline a baby? Disciplining an infant is | | | | former argue that responding to a baby's request is a |
| not as bad as you think. And you should not always | | | | reinforcement of his ability to communicate, even when |
| take the word 'discipline' the harsh way, not when it is | | | | it is at its premature form (like crying). And that actually |
| essential to your child's healthy emotional, physical, and | | | | acting upon the baby's ailing makes for responsive |
| mental development, to his whole being. | | | | care which is encouraged as a healthy form of child |
| When you remove your baby's grasp as he tugs at | | | | rearing. |
| your hair, you are setting limits. When you stop him | | | | A baby cries to tell you that he is hungry or that he's |
| from putting an unsafe object to his mouth, you are | | | | not feeling well. Responding to what your baby needs |
| teaching the value of self-control. When you stop your | | | | does not only reinforce his ability to communicate, it |
| baby from venturing unsafe areas, you are practicing | | | | also establishes and fosters emotional security. And |
| guidance. All these are manifestations of you | | | | this security later contributes to your child's ability to |
| disciplining your baby. It's not all that bad, is it? | | | | practice self-control. |
| The Importance of Discipline | | | | Setting Your Own Limits |
| When you discipline your baby, you teach him to | | | | When disciplining your baby, you should practice your |
| develop self-control. You foster the development of | | | | own share of self-control. If anything, you should never |
| socially acceptable behavior in your child. Through | | | | go overboard with your disciplining efforts or your |
| discipline, your child learns to acknowledge his emotions | | | | 'guidance', lest you get in the way of your child's |
| and to control his reactions. You also teach him the | | | | healthy development. So do give your baby enough |
| workings of the world. You teach him when it is safe | | | | leverage to actually explore his surroundings. Allow him |
| to venture out and when he should keep it safe. | | | | to move around, to play and to navigate his |
| It is important that you have all these inculcated deeply | | | | surroundings. This is the best way for him to develop |
| in your child's character so that he practices discipline | | | | his motor skills, cognitive abilities and interpersonal skills. |
| even when you are not around. And do keep in mind | | | | And do give your child all the things he needs to |
| that you will not always be around to watch your child, | | | | practice his freedom to explore and learn. Give him a |
| and that he will not be a baby forever. The best way | | | | baby gift that is educational and mobile. Give him a |
| to have self-discipline deeply fostered in your child is to | | | | baby gift that will inspire him to explore new possibilities. |
| start early with your disciplinary actions, to start when | | | | Also, teach him to share his baby gift with other kids. |
| he is just an infant. | | | | And of course, never fail to teach him the limitations |
| Can You Spoil a Baby? | | | | that come with the privilege of having a fun baby gift. |
| The answer to this question is still contestable and | | | | A baby gift with the right limitations will surely not spoil |
| continues to be the subject of hot debate. Some | | | | your little angel! |