Discipline is not punishment: tips for educating your baby.

In the first months of a baby’s life, meeting all their needs is natural. Feeding, changing diapers, and soothing crying are actions that are part of daily care. However, as they grow, needs transform into wants, and parents begin to realize the importance of setting boundaries.

Although many associate discipline with punishment, it goes beyond that. Discipline involves teaching, guiding, and helping the child understand what is right and wrong, as well as developing skills to cope with frustrations. This process can—and should—begin in the early stages of childhood, adapted to the baby’s age and development.

Here are some discipline strategies for different ages and stages:

From Newborn to 4 Months: Basic Needs

At this stage, the focus is on creating a safe environment and meeting the baby’s needs. Feeding, sleep, and comfort are priorities. You don’t need to worry about discipline at this moment, as it is essential for the baby to feel protected. Quickly responding to their demands helps create a secure bond and increases their trust in the world around them.

From 4 to 7 Months: Wants Begin to Emerge

Around 4 months, the baby starts to differentiate between needs and wants. A classic example is wanting to fall asleep in someone’s arms. This is the time to start encouraging them to learn how to sleep independently.

Additionally, babies at this age love to grab objects, including earrings and glasses. Overreacting, such as saying a loud “no,” may seem like a game to them. An alternative is to calmly remove the object or gently move the baby away for a few seconds without making a fuss. Although they still cannot control their impulses, this type of response paves the way for future learning.

From 7 to 12 Months: Exploration and Safety

With increased mobility, it is essential to make the home safe for the baby. Keep dangerous objects out of reach, install safety gates, and cover electrical outlets.

At the same time, provide safe spaces and objects for them to explore. If the baby grabs something they shouldn’t, redirect their attention to another activity or object. Distraction is an effective tool at this stage.

If the baby cries due to separation anxiety when they notice you have left the room, soothe them with your voice instead of rushing back immediately. This helps them understand that you are nearby even if you are not visible.

From 1 Year to 1.5 Years: Discovering Vocal Skills

Around 1 year old, the baby begins to test their voice. Screaming and making noise are common, especially during meals outside the home. In this case, it is important to remain calm and establish simple rules. Explain that in places like restaurants, one must speak softly.

Use toys or other distractions to keep their attention. It is important to remember that at this age, children still lack self-control to inhibit behaviors like screaming, so patience is essential.

From 1.5 Years to 2 Years: Autonomy and Frustration

At this stage, language development advances, but toddlers still have difficulty expressing feelings, which can lead to frustration. Situations such as biting or hitting may arise.

If your child bites someone, remove them from the situation immediately and explain clearly and calmly that it hurts and should not be done. Observe if there are patterns that trigger these behaviors, such as tiredness or specific times of day.

Distracting the child with other activities can help prevent further incidents. It is important to remember that children change constantly and learn over time how to better manage their own emotions.

Discipline Is Learning

Discipline should not be seen as a system of punishments but as a continuous process of learning and guidance. By establishing boundaries early on, you help your child develop important skills for navigating the world around them.

Feel free to ask if you need any further assistance!