Baby Discipline. Is there really such a thing? Yes, of course, but I bet it’s not what you’re thinking. The topic of baby discipline is an entire chapter in “The Go-To Mom’s Parents’ Guide to Emotion Coaching Young Children”, by Kimberley Clayton Blaine. She explains that the first year is all about development, but around the child’s first birthday there are opportunities as a parent to start emotion coaching that will help them cope throughout their life.
During both the first and second year, though, you, as a parent, are fulfilling their most critical time for bonding and attaching. When rocking the baby, cuddling and holding her, she learns she is safe. Showing your love teaches her to love others, even at this infant age. Research shows babies who are held and comforted actually cry less, learn to trust and are more independent (so, no, it’s not possible to spoil a baby, especially younger than six months). The book explains that disciplining is really guiding. If the baby is crawling toward an item that’s dangerous, simply saying “not for baby” lets her know the item or area isn’t safe. You should redirect the child to an area that is ok. Build nightly routines that allow them to know what’s expected. If you’re taking the baby out of the home, to dinner for example, be prepared and understand you should set your expectations to a minimum when it comes to their behavior. At this time, it’s your role to accommodate the baby, not the other way around. And another key parenting tip: teach “help” as one of your child’s first words. As they’re learning to walk, acknowledge her feelings with “You’re frustrated. Need help?” Being able to express herself by saying “Mama help” may be the one thing that helps prevent the cries of frustration that come from babies who aren’t emotionally coached.
Want to learn more about emotional coaching? See the review of the book by clicking here.
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