f6twister

I have to disagree with you and your parents. My biggest disagreement is that words have no meaning. Children understand many more words than they can say. Teaching them early on that when you say "NO" that they are to stop what they are doing is very beneficial. My 15 month old son already understands the word no. He likes to pull the CD's out of the holder. All it takes is for one no to come out of my mouth and he stops and leaves it alone.

For us, discipline began when he began showing signs of individuality (trying to crawl, becoming upset when he didn't get his way). Obviously, telling a 2 month old to stop crying isn't going to get a response but once a child cries when they don't get the toy they want or if they will cry when fed vegetables but not fruit or dessert, they need to start learning who makes the decisions. We decided to teach him to respond to no by saying the word then removing him from the situation or redirecting his attention. It took some time but he now understands. When we say no, he redirects himself to something he knows is approved for him to play with.

pun·ish·ment (n). A penalty imposed for wrongdoing; rough handling; mistreatment

dis·ci·pline (n). Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement.
Controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training; self-control.

Which one of these sounds better to use when raising a child?

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A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day. Calvin