By Jane Pinel

Know that your little one has succeeded in the awesome challenges of learning to roll over, sit up, and walk — learning to get up and try again when he falls down. Now he has, perhaps the most challenging task of all, learning words and how to use them. Most likely his first words will be mama and dada and maybe a treasured version of grandma or grandpa. As he learns to walk and climb and reach for things, he will need to know the meaning of the word ‘no’ for his own safety or the safety of the objects he is trying to get.

Teaching the meaning of the word ‘no’ can be difficult for both child and parent. At times it can cause both frustration and anger, on both sides. Like any other word it takes time and repetition to fully understand its’ meaning. I have seen parents who say ‘no’ for the first time and expect their child to understand it from that moment on. Punishment should not be part of this learning experience. Curiosity is a sign of intelligence and should be encouraged always. If your child is about to touch something dangerous you can teach another word along with the word ‘no’. Say ‘no’ firmly plus the word ‘hurt’, which he may know from falling down and bumping himself. It’s an opportunity to introduce other new words — such as ‘break’ or ‘hot/cold’ — apply to your reason for saying ‘no’.

The object here is to help your child build his confidence in learning about the world, while keeping him safe. Be sure to share your joy and pleasure with him when he succeeds challenges which may seem small to you but are huge for him.