Before any discussion about discipline it must be understood that discipline implies teaching, not punishment. Therefore, discipline begins at an age when children start to learn. We teach our children about the world around them but discipline specifically targets learning self-control and self-discipline. Around the age of nine months your baby will start to notice your reaction to what they do. A new skill brings out a smile from you while reaching for something hot elicits a different response. This time of recognition signals the beginning of your teaching.

Initially, you will find it easiest to arrange the home around your child. It is far easier to remove dangerous objects, lock the bathrooms and set up ...