How do you get your baby to understand NO? - Parenting Issues Message Board

Sherri-Lynne · 10-25-2003, 02:02 AM

My little girl is 8 months old. We've baby proofed the house as much as we can but there are still some things she gets into that she shouldn't. She opens desk drawers (which are empty) and is constanly getting into her unused diapers. Also she is annoying our family dog. She trys to pet her, but after a few seconds she is pulling on her ears or tail. She is learning with the dog, I know that will take time. But my question is how do you get your child who is so young to understand what NO is?

Meg28 · 10-25-2003, 02:07 AM

At this age, reasoning with her would never work.
But at 8 months your daughter has the ability to understand No! Whatever she is doing, go up to her, take away whatever it is that is wrong and say to her very firmly, NO! I don't mean yelling; just a very firm no. Of course you will have to be consistent because she will forget and do it again. She'll also want to test the boundaries as well to see if you actually mean NO! LOL These little precious things are a lot smarter than we give them credit for, don't you think?
Good luck!!

TerryB · 10-25-2003, 05:44 AM

Sometimes you just have to go with it. I remember being horrified that my baby was taking things out of the drawers but eventually I learned that if the child was entertained for a substantial amount of time then it was worth the mess. Some drawers we put baby locks on though. Also, some things really don't need to be neat and tidy. We had a large basket for our diapers and we would just through the diapers back in all out of order. I don't think we had folded bibs or handtowels at certain ages either even right out of the dryer because I knew that there was a chance that little hands would be into them.

It is a real adjustment have a baby mess up your sense of order. I think that I am boarderline OCD and I adjusted. You really can't expect a baby not to get into things. Enjoy it while it lasts because you will actually miss these days! But, also keep baby-proofing so that she doesn't drive you totally nuts. The drawer locks are not too tough to install and worth the effort.

[This message has been edited by TerryB (edited 10-25-2003).]

Want 2 B Well · 10-25-2003, 11:35 AM

Well my advice is some kids get it right away and some don't ever.

If you have stuff you don't want them to get into I say move it. It is much more fun and relaxing to you to know your house is safe & less "NOs" make it much less frustrating on everyone.
The diapers can be put up out of her reach. To keep them in her reach is just going to drive you crazy.

I'd rather move a piece of furniture out until they are older (or we took the glass off of our entertainment center) as an example.

My "one kid" that never gets it has never changed, she's an airhead to this day. Clumsy, busy, drove us nuts...she is 12 now, going on 13.

She is finally "getting it"...she also is fun & smart.

So anyhow that is a different way of looking at things.