At what age can you tell a child no?

Some infants start to understand what "no" means at around 6 months, but most won't stop what they're doing in response to the word until they're somewhere between 12 and 18 months. When your baby gets into mischief, calmly tell him no and try to interest him in something else.


When should I start telling my child no?

Kathryn Konrad: Babies usually start to respond to “no” around 8 months. Babies are very curious and will often start to reach for things they should not have. This is probably the first time you will need to say “no”.

Can you say no to a 2 year old?

You can't depend on a two-year-old to control themselves, no matter how emphatically you tell them to stop what they're doing. You still need to tell them how to behave. Instead of saying "no," clearly state what they can do instead. Two-year-olds respond much better to positive instructions than negative ones.


Can you tell a 10 month old No?

Don't always say "no." Babies understand that “no” means “no” around 9 months if used firmly and consistently. But consistent use is not the same as overuse. Save “no” for dangerous behaviors such as touching the stove or going near electrical sockets. Do redirect him.

How do you discipline a 2 year old that doesn't listen?

Here are a few tips on effective ways to discipline your toddler.
  1. Do not respond. ...
  2. Walk away. ...
  3. Give them what they want on your terms. ...
  4. Distract and divert their attention. ...
  5. Think like your toddler. ...
  6. Help your child explore. ...
  7. But set limits. ...
  8. Put them in timeout.


At what age should a child start school? - Dr. Gordon Neufeld



Is it OK to yell at a 2 year old?

Toddlers are unlikely to understand the substance of the yell, and will only absorb the frustration, or fury, Gershoff explained. Yelling at this age group isn't likely to get them to do something quicker, or stop doing something foolish. Also, pay attention to how a child responds to yelling.

Can a 2 year old understand discipline?

The good news: If there are immediate and real consequences for bad behavior, your toddler — even at this young age — will quickly start to realize that naughtiness does not pay off. Here are seven tried-and-true discipline strategies to consider the next time your toddler acts out.

Should you discipline a 1 year old?

Discipline can be a difficult concept for a one-year-old toddler to understand. However, at this age they can still learn certain boundaries. Most of your disciplining at this age will be setting limits and teaching your child what good behavior is, instead of explicitly disciplining them for unwanted behavior.


How do you discipline a 1 year old who doesn't listen?

How to Discipline a One-Year-Old Who Doesn't Listen
  1. First, prevent and protect. ...
  2. Set consistent rules and clear boundaries. ...
  3. Take deep breaths to stay calm. ...
  4. Model good behavior and help them practice. ...
  5. Use inductive discipline, not punishment, to teach. ...
  6. Praise good behavior and focus on effort rather than results.


Should I discipline my 9 month old?

Discipline in its simplest forms can start as soon as your baby is 8 months old. You'll know it's time to start your discipline journey when your sweet bundle starts doing things like biting your arm or pulling off your glasses even after you say “no”…and then laughs and laughs.

Is it OK to say no to toddler?

Saying no to all of your child's requests can be harmful. Kids need the opportunity to explore different places and try new things. So it's important that you grant your child permission to do the things that are good for his development. When you catch yourself saying no a lot, ask yourself why.


What can I say instead of no to my toddler?

Alternatives to using the 'No' word
  • Say what you DO want your child to do, rather than what you DON'T: “No, don't throw things around and leave your room in a mess” ...
  • Use the word 'Stop' instead: ...
  • Offer an alternative: ...
  • Give a reason: ...
  • Empathise and say “YES”:


What to do with a defiant 2 year old?

Respond with Empathy and Set Clear Limits
  1. Set the limit. ...
  2. Offer a few choices (which are acceptable to you). ...
  3. Use humor. ...
  4. Engage your child's imagination. ...
  5. Enforce the limit: If none of the strategies above work, and your child is still digging in his heels, calmly and firmly set the limit. ...
  6. Avoid giving in.


How do you discipline a 3 year old who says no?

Here's what you can do when your 3 year old says no to everything:
  1. Show empathy to show you're on her side. Often, the most effective way to get your child to finally listen is to make sure she feels heard. ...
  2. Offer choices. ...
  3. Give a “better” option. ...
  4. Offer an incentive. ...
  5. Pick your battles. ...
  6. Phrase the task like asking for help.


How long does the no phase last?

What age does it last until? The “No” Phase is a child's first rebellious phase and starts when children start recognizing their desires and try to make sure they are fulfilled. The beginning and end of the phase depends on the child but is usually from around 1.5 years old until around 2 years old.

When should you ignore a child's behavior?

What Misbehaviors Should I Ignore? Ignoring is usually most effective for behaviors like whining, crying when nothing is physically wrong or hurting, and tantrums. These misbehaviors are often done for attention.

What are red flags in child development?

Can't support head (by 3 months) Doesn't babble or try to imitate sounds (by 4 months) Doesn't bring objects to mouth (by 4 months) Doesn't push down with legs when feet are on firm surface (by 4 months)


How do you deal with a defiant 1 year old?

What You Can Do
  1. Validate your child's feelings. ...
  2. Set the limit. ...
  3. Offer a few choices (acceptable to you): ...
  4. Use humor. ...
  5. Encourage your child to use his imagination. ...
  6. Enforce the limit without anger. ...
  7. Help your child recover. ...
  8. Ignoring the behaviors you want to eliminate is the fastest way to be rid of them.


How many tantrums a day is normal for a 1 year old?

Tantrums happen most frequently between ages 1 and 4, averaging up to one a day. They typically decrease when a child starts school. At this age, they're talking more, so they can express their needs verbally. Tantrums usually last between two and 15 minutes.

At what age do babies understand punishment?

If he can't stop shrieking, take your order to go. "Children this age don't have the self-control to inhibit a behavior like this," Lerner says. "Just keep explaining the rules, and by age 2 1/2 to 3, he'll begin to understand them and be better able to act on them."


How do I get my 1 year old to listen without yelling?

  1. How to get toddlers to listen without yelling.
  2. Tell your toddler what she should do.
  3. Redirect your toddler to a similar but more appropriate activity.
  4. Give your toddler choices.
  5. Turn off all distractions.
  6. Change your toddler's physical environment.
  7. Follow through with natural consequences.
  8. Walk away.


What is the healthiest way to discipline a child?

The good news for every parent is it works and here's how you can start putting it into practice:
  • Plan 1-on-1 time. ...
  • Praise the positives. ...
  • Set clear expectations. ...
  • Distract creatively. ...
  • Use calm consequences. ...
  • Pause. ...
  • Step back. ...
  • Praise yourself.


What is an appropriate punishment for a 2 year old?

A 2- or 3-year-old who has been hitting, biting, or throwing food, for example, should be told why the behavior is unacceptable and taken to a designated timeout area — a kitchen chair or bottom stair — for a minute or two to calm down. As a general rule, about 1 minute per year of age is a good guide for timeouts.


How do you discipline a strong willed 2 year old?

Take a look at how to discipline a strong willed 2 year old and turn your days around:
  1. Say what you want. Do you feel like you're constantly telling your child “no” all the time? ...
  2. Give your child choices. ...
  3. Redirect your child to an appropriate activity. ...
  4. Stay consistent. ...
  5. Respond calmly.


How do you discipline a 2 year old who hits and bites?

What to do instead
  1. Give a short and sweet verbal correction like “no hitting” or “use gentle touch.”
  2. Provide an immediate consequence, usually removal of attention or desired item for a short period of time. ...
  3. Model your own ability to tolerate frustration by remaining calm. ...
  4. Don't take it personally.