Because your one-year-old is mobile, whether crawling, cruising, or walking, it is important to begin putting limits on their behavior. They learn by exploration but need safe limits.
A demon explorer who wants to learn all about the size, shape and movability of everything in sight. Opens cabinets, pulls tablecloths, usually examines an object before putting it into mouth
Praise the one year old for good behavior.
It is important to teach the child the word "no." Saying "no" in a stern voice with good eye contact is almost always effective in this age group. Some parents have a fear of the word "no." They do not want their child to feel restricted, so they bend the other way and let their youngster run wild without any limits. A child needs guidance for his or her own protection and to learn that others have rights. "No" at the appropriate time is as important for the child's development as is nutrition and love.
Discipline should be consistent to be effective. To discipline a one year old, use distraction, loving restraint, removal of the object from the toddler or the toddler from the object.
Discipline does not mean punishment or spanking. If you become angry with your baby, put your little one in his or her crib or playpen for one or two minutes of "time out." This will allow you to calm down and it also allows your baby to realize that he or she has done something wrong. During "time out" the child should not be able to see you or any other family member.
Encourage play with age-appropriate toys. Children this age love push and pull toys. Develop motor coordination by clapping and dancing to children's music. Encourage your toddler to play alone (with supervision and with other toddlers) as well as with playmates, siblings and parents.
Remember that aggressive behaviors - hitting and biting - are common at this age. How parents respond to this behavior determines if it will continue.
Despite your child's desire to become independent, you will find the 1- year-old often clinging to a parent more than before. In addition, stranger anxiety may cause some parent's not to be able to leave their child with grandparents or a baby sitter. It is important for parents to get out from time to time without their little one. You get a breather, and your son or daughter learns that sometimes you do go away, but you always come back.
