How to Discipline a 1-Year-Old: As a child grows older, they gradually begin to act out. Therefore, parents need to know how to handle them. Let's share some tips.

How to teach discipline to a 1-year-old child?

Child Discipline Without Punishment: What will you do if your baby or toddler starts hitting or biting you? Teaching discipline to children from the age of nine months does not mean punishment, but rather teaching them safe and clear boundaries. Experts say that in such times, talking calmly, diverting attention from wrong behavior, and praising for correct behavior is the best way. 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 through patience and repetition.

What do experts say?

New parents are often confused about whether a one-year-old can be taught discipline. Dr. Mona, a board-certified pediatrician and mother of two, explained in a social media post that yes, discipline is important even at this age. However, most people associate discipline with punishment, which is not the case. Discipline means teaching a child what is right and what is wrong.

Dr. Mona explains that discipline can begin as early as nine months of age. For example, when a child starts throwing food down or trying to hit the child while playing at nine to ten months. Even if it's all in jest, this is the time when parents should lovingly set limits and let the child know that this behavior is not okay. She says that discipline doesn't necessarily mean punishment. It's a way to set safe and consistent limits for children, so they understand what behavior is acceptable. Instead of punishing children, it's more beneficial to show them the right path.

With toddlers, she advises not to overreact to behaviors you want to stop. Calmly but clearly state the limits and direct their attention to what they can do. For example, say, "We don't throw food, we eat," and demonstrate how to eat. Or, "We don't hit, we touch gently," and demonstrate a loving touch.

Be sure to praise the child

When your child behaves correctly, be sure to praise them, as they tend to repeat what gets them attention and praise. Time-out isn't very effective for one-year-olds because they don't understand why they've been put in a corner. Time-out can be used for older children, those over two, when other methods don't work. If your child is around one year old, Dr. Mona offers some simple tips: don't overreact to misbehavior; show them the correct behavior and praise them when they do it. If they still repeat the misbehavior, calmly state a limit and enforce it. For example, "If you throw your food, I'll take it away."