When does discipline start?

[Emmom]

I've really been enjoying reading posts in the Gentle Discipline forum in the past few months since I've discovered MDC. I think listening to you all hash out issues has done more shaping of my parenting ideas so far than any book (not that I've read that many...)

My question is: when does GD start? I've noticed a lot of references to the foundation of GD being in babyhood (such as on HappyHSer's website, which is very interesting!) - but I don't have a clear picture of how... I have a 10 month old who's becoming very active, and more and more I have to remove him from situations, to redirect him (physically).

Other than building a relationship of love and trust, when did you start to intentionally "parent"? Does talking through what you're doing with a baby make a difference (such as, "that's not safe" or "that's hot" as you're removing the baby or the object)? Does it make sense?

Any thoughts?

Thanks for bearing with me!

Emily

[PaxMamma]

"discipline" means to teach, sooooo.....

we began at birth. i taught ds that if he cried, i would pick him up, nurse him, attend to his needs, etc. he quickly learned to trust me and depend on me. this is the foundation of discipline.

children's receptive language is so far more advanced than their expressive language, we don't really know exactly what they understand and how early, so i say, start as soon as possible with "that's hot" or whatever. they may understand more than you know. and if they don't get it the first time, they will eventually. a large part of discipline is disciplining yourself anyway, so start with the good habits fast, so that they become a part of your parenting. (and you can get a good deal of your screwing up out of the way before they REALLY understand )

[HappyHSer]

I have a 10 month old who's becoming very active, and more and more I have to remove him from situations, to redirect him (physically).

Other than building a relationship of love and trust, when did you start to intentionally "parent"? Does talking through what you're doing with a baby make a difference (such as, "that's not safe" or "that's hot" as you're removing the baby or the object)? Does it make sense?

Emily,

It sounds like you are doing great! Discipline starts day 1, and changes according to developmental need.

You are already intentionally parenting. Stay in tune and trusting with your instincts and you'll know when it needs to become more active.

Yes, talking through and giving information to a baby is part of discipline. You'll do the same with a 2 yo, a 10 yo and a 16 yo.