Discipline and Baby


What is meant by the word discipline? Is it punishment? Is it teaching baby right from wrong? Throughout the early years, discipline has two goals: short-term and long-term. Short term involves stopping dangerous or obnoxious behavior on the spot. Long-term is teaching the child how to act so that eventually she will be self-disciplined. For babies short-term discipline makes more sense, but over time, long-term discipline will take over.
When you think of disciplining an eight-months old baby, it is important to keep in mind her developmental capacities. She tends to be very curious and exploring is only natural. She needs to touch, feel or taste her surroundings. She is at the same time to young to understand dangers, or know her directions or control her actions. There are three techniques to keep the situation in control:


Babyproofing:


It is important to guard baby against dangers. Babyproofing is a good way to ensure baby safety. If potential dangers are out of baby's way and reach, there will be fewer opportunities for disciplinary actions


Distraction and Substitution:


When you see your baby heading for trouble, distract her with some toy or activity you know she likes. If she is already holding something dangerous or unacceptable, substitute it with something safe.


Keep "NO" to a Minimum:

Decide which behavior is dangerous and which is annoying and keep 'No' for those dangerous ones. You can try distraction and substitution for annoying behaviors. There are times when being firm is absolutely necessary, especially in the face of danger. These are the times to say 'No' and to remove baby immediately from the source of trouble. Explain to baby briefly why you are doing so. For example, to the word 'No', add 'hot-it burns' or 'sharp-it hurts', which clearly communicates to baby the nature of danger and your concern for her. Unfortunately parents tend to overdo it with the 'No' word, using it almost always when they feel their baby is doing something they should not be doing. A baby who hears 'No' repeatedly will feel that the word has little value. Conversely, if it is used sparingly, your baby will learn that you stop her only when there is real danger. Both baby and parents are individuals with specific characteristics. Therefore, your approach to discipline must fit into your personal values and lifestyle. Think of ways to incorporate the basic techniques outlined above into your own plans. They will help guide your baby's behavior until she is old enough to understand how she should behave.




More Safety Guidelines


These additional guidelines can help protect your baby even more. Use all that you find applicable to your home situation.


• Use a mat in the tub every time you bathe your baby

• Check labels of clothing to make sure they meet safety standards

• Store iron in a safe place, out of baby's reach. It is heavy and cause injury if baby pulls it down on herself

• Keep all plastic bags out of baby's reach

• Use the harness or belt attached to secure baby in her stroller or highchair

• Don't give baby balloons as toys; she might choke on it when deflated

• Begin teaching baby now not to touch matches, safety pins, ashtrays, cigarettes, knives and hot stoves, and anything else you think you should protect baby from


Stereotyping your Baby

Do boys always play with cars? Do girls always play with dolls? Most parents want to avoid stereotyping their children but some experts believe certain differences between boys and girls cannot be eliminated. Other experts feel parents can do some things to embrace those differences. It is the responsibility of parents to avoid creating a gender division in their children. Like everything else, this pattern begins at home.


Offer your child many different toys.


Give your baby options when it comes to toys. Let girls play with trucks and cars. Let boys play with dolls and stuffed toys. Offer them all sorts of toys. But don't be surprised if your child favors gender-specific toys anyway.


Set and example.


During the early years, your child will get most of her ideas and exposure about gender roles from observing your roles at home. It is a good idea for parents to share chores and household responsibilities. In that way, your child will learn that dads and mums do many different things, and there is no stereotyping of household chores and work as such.


Don't overprotect girls.


Give girls the same experiences as boys. Do not deny them certain experiences just because they are girls. Treat your daughter the same as you would your son. Encourage them when they get frustrated and give them the push when they need it.


Cuddle boys more.


Just because they are boys, it does not mean they don't need cuddling or pampering. Comfort your son by holding him. Research shows that touch is powerful and can lower stress-hormone levels. Boys need this benefit as much as girls do.