As a parent, you're charged with the responsibility of teaching your child about limits and helping them understand the difference between right and wrong. And although it is possible to not give your kids enough structure, you can also go way overboard. So when do you start enforcing rules with your child? And is it even possible to discipline a baby? You may think that what you're doing is for your baby's own good, but before you lay down the law, you should know some of the habits that make your baby think you're mean.
You've probably already received lots of unsolicited advice about the right and the wrong ways to parent your baby. You've been warned not to hold them for too long, feed them too much, or even respond to every cry. But as you and your baby are getting to know each other, it's important to do everything you can to make sure he develops a strong sense of trust. From now on, you are going to be one of the first people he turns to for everything from a skinned knee to a broken heart.
There is no such thing as paying too much attention to your baby, so get all of the cuddles and coos in that you can now. Once they hit junior high, you'll be lucky to get an occasional fist bump.
1
Ignoring Them
You may have had friends or relatives warn you about the dangers of spoiling your baby, but the reality is that there is no such thing as giving your baby too many cuddles. According to Psychology Today, parental interaction is important to keep your baby healthy and socially engaged.
2
Assuming They Can't Feel Pain
You may think that his system hasn't developed enough, but you shouldn't assume that your baby didn't feel that bump on the head. According to Belly Belly, babies can feel pain just like adults, and in fact are even more sensitive to it. So give him an extra cuddle to help him calm down.
3
Ignoring Hunger Cries
You may think your baby should be on a strict feeding schedule, but her stomach is telling her otherwise. Ignoring her cries for food may actually be doing more harm than good. According to WebMD, feeding your baby when she's hungry helps her establish trust in the world.
4
Preventing Him From Exploring His Environment
Babies are naturally curious, and who could blame them? They've been cooped up in your belly for nine months and they've got a whole lot of ground to cover. According to Babble, crawling helps your baby develop important skills such as strength and balance. As long as you protect them from stairs and objects that can fall on them, there's nothing wrong with letting your baby get his crawl on.
5
Leaving Them Alone
He may not be able to engage you in conversation, but your baby still wants to be around others. So be sure to find a way to include him in what you're doing. According to Psychology Today, leaving your baby alone will make them even more fearful and needy.
