Child Discipline Without Punishment: If your child or toddler starts hitting or biting you, what will you do? Teaching discipline to children from the age of nine months does not mean punishing them, but making them understand safe and clear limits. Experts say that in such times, the best way is to talk calmly, divert attention from wrong behavior and praise for right behavior. Time-out is not considered appropriate for a one-year-old child, because at this age it takes time to develop understanding and everything is taught with patience and repetition.

What do experts say?

Often new parents are confused about whether discipline can be taught to a one year old child or not. Board-certified pediatrician and mother of two, Dr. Mona said in one of her posts on social media that yes, discipline is important even at this age. However, most people associate discipline with punishment, whereas in reality it is not so. Discipline means making the child understand what is right and what is not.

Dr. Mona says that discipline can start from the age of nine months. Like when a child starts throwing food down at the age of 9 to 10 months or tries to hit his hands while playing. Even if it’s all in jest, this is the time when parents should lovingly set limits and tell the child that this behavior is not okay. He says that discipline does not mean punishment at all. This is a way for children to set safe and consistent limits, so they understand what behavior is acceptable. Instead of punishing children, it is more beneficial to show them the right path.

In the case of toddlers, she advises not to overreact to the behavior you want to stop. Calmly but clearly state the limits and direct their attention to what they can do. Like saying, “We don’t throw away food, we eat it” and show how to eat it yourself. Or “We do not hit, we touch lightly” and show the child by touching him lovingly.

Be sure to praise the child

When the child behaves correctly, be sure to praise him, because children repeat only what they get attention and appreciation for. Time-out is not very effective for a one-year-old child, because he does not understand why he has been made to stand in the corner. Time-out can be used in older children, i.e. above two years of age, when other methods do not work. If your baby is around a year old, Dr. Mona suggests some simple tips – don’t overreact to misbehavior, show the child the right behavior and praise him when he does it right. If he still repeats the wrong behavior, calmly state the limit and enforce it. Like, “If you throw food, I will pick it up.”

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.