Training and Discipline — Channelling the Baby’s Development

Abstract

As the baby grows, the wise parents create opportunities for him to make use of his skills so that he can get more adept, as well as derive a sense of accomplishment. Usually this is in the form of educational toys and physical play. With growth the baby’s understanding of his social and physical environment increases. In order to enable the child to adjust socially, the parents should encourage formation of good habits, proper table manners, correct speech and politeness, as well as teaching him to avoid actions which are socially unacceptable. Some of these acts may be expressions of emotional traits which develop as emotional growth occurs, e.g. aggressiveness, anger or selfishness. Within limits, all these emotional traits are desirable qualities, being part of self-protection in later life; they become social liabilities only when in excess. It will be after years of upbringing in a stable home with well-adjusted parents that the child begins to understand how to control these emotional traits and to put them to a constructive use.