When Should You Start Correcting a Child?

When you think about correcting your child, first think about how you would like to be corrected and then do that. It’s also helpful to contemplate how you feel when you punish a child versus how you feel when you correct them without losing your cool. If you are able to do that you’re becoming a master! Find out more about the “punishment paradigm” and what it does to you and your kids

Corrections and boundary setting are very much a necessary part of parenting if you want your children to grow up with healthy behaviors and an understanding that they do have self-control and don’t need to throw fits (for the rest of their lives) as a communication tool. Positive discipline is effective and can be emphasized to get the message across while still keeping a good relationship with your children.

But many parents wonder when to start setting rules and correcting a baby or a young child. And what constitutes age-appropriate rules and corrections?

If Your Child Is 8 to 12 Months Of Age

What age is ideal to start correcting children? Most experts believe 8 months is a solid starting point. Children at this age often cry or throw temper tantrums, and it can be difficult to calm down a stubborn child. Kids act this way because they know it brings them attention and they know their parents are watching.

The next time a tantrum starts, explain in simple terms why the kids shouldn’t be acting that way then don’t acknowledge them for a while. Don’t seem angry but rather disinterested. If you’ve been with us for awhile you know that we suggest silently singing a few lines of your favorite song or recite baseball stats—mom’s you can do Kegels to keep from engaging and having two tantruming people in the room!

When the protest calms down, come back with loving attention by offering reassurances and an explanation of why such behaviors are discouraged. One statement you can begin using and keep using into your child’s adolescence is, “When you do that, you don’t feel good inside—it’s not good for you.” Do this from a place of concern for their wellbeing. This is to help them to begin to understand that eventually they will need to be the one in charge of their own self-regulation. A parent can’t do that for any child—we can only guide them into this understanding.

What About a Year To 2 Years?

Ever wanted to know how to discipline an 18 month old? At this age, children are acquiring speech skills and have figured out a lot of negative ways to get our attention. 

The classic “time-out” is worth trying when children get bratty. Set a timer for one minute per year of age. Once it’s over and your child is calm again, wait a few minutes and reconnect and forgive—this portion of the correction is called a “time-in” with your child where they are reassured that their behaviors don’t cause a loss of love and security.

From 2 Years Onward

As toddlers get older, they understand and interact with the world around them on a deeper level. They should understand the difference between a bad behavior and an acceptable behavior, what house rules are and why they should follow them. 

Whenever a rule is broken, parents can temporarily take away a privilege as a corrective measure. Whether it’s a favorite toy or activity, these “fines” are a perfect way to administer corrections and get the message across. It is important here to establish consistent rules. You can learn more about natural consequences and how to explain and implement them 

As young children, and then on into the tweens/teens and young adulthood, your strategies can vary and will change, but your foundational parenting strategy to raise well-adjusted children is basically the same: we want them to be able to critically think, consciously feel, self-regulate, and blossom. Each of the 100 Kid Code strategies are designed to do that.

How Can Positive Discipline Help You Improve Your Parenting?

There’s nothing unusual about first-time or long-time parents looking for help and resources on how to work with young children or even if your child is older. 

You’re not alone in your struggle as a parent. But with consistent corrections and the right strategies, you can prevail over the toughest of unhealthy behaviors. 

Remember our “go-to”: if you make a parenting mistake and punish or holler at a child, it’s okay, we’re all a work in progress—remind yourself that you matter more than the mistake and then make it right. 

Also remember our invitation to you: at The Kid Code, we remind you that this is the place you have full permission to be a mess as a parent, and at the same time, accept our warm-hearted invitation to leave some of your parenting pain behind. 

Are you interested in learning more about positive parenting tips? Get your copy of “The Kid Code” today!