WELCOME TO THE NO-NO’S

It may seem as if you are always telling baby what NOT to do. No wonder! An 11-month-old loves her independence as she moves around and touches more things. So, discipline becomes part of your daily life. Do everything you can to make it easy for your baby to do the right thing.

Be realistic in your expectations. Babies this age are into everything. They poke, dump, lick, squeeze, toss, and climb. They are picky about food, and they splash the milk in their cereal. Think about how your child is learning and growing. When your child sees something bright and pretty, she learns by feeling and tasting it. "Look, but don't touch" is almost meaningless at this stage.

Avoid situations where you must constantly correct your child. At this age, it is easier to put your baby in situations where she can do something that is all right for her to do, rather than to "make her mind." If you are in a new place, be prepared that your baby will want to explore. You will need to follow her around. It is not realistic for your baby to sit still at this age.

Make your expectations clear. Let your baby know when you are unhappy with her behavior. Be sure to emphasize what behavior you are unhappy with. For example say, “Biting hurts! I can't let you bite me.”

Your baby may continue to do something wrong just to get attention. It becomes a game. She crawls to a forbidden object and turns around to look at you. You say no, but she reaches out to touch anyway. You get angry and say no once more. Still she reaches for the object, waiting for you to say no yet again, and so the game goes on. Stop the game by getting your baby interested in another activity. Show her something she can have fun touching.

Discipline is helping your child develop the habits of behaving. The habits of behaving well will develop over the years. They will come as your baby has a longer attention span and is able to explore more carefully.

Love and affection are part of effective discipline. The relationship between you and your child develops from everything you do for and with your child. Show your child how much you love her by playing with her and telling her that you love her. As your child grows in her love and trust for you, she will want to behave in a way that will please you.

When to Start Toilet Training?

Most child development experts suggest waiting until a child is between 2 and 3 years old before teaching him or her to use the toilet.

At least wait until your baby:

• Has a bowel movement at about the same time every day
• Can tell you in words that he has to go
• Can undo clothing, including snaps and zippers
• Can relax and let the urine or bowel movement out

Who Can You Talk to About Your Baby?

It helps to have people around who you can talk to and learn from. If you have a child care provider, consider talking with him or her. Child care providers have experience with lots of children and families. They have learned much from them. Is there a group for new parents in your area? Try to get to their meetings. It’s a great time to compare notes. Maybe you have found other new parents nearby. Find a time to talk about what’s working for you, and what isn’t. See what you can learn and share.