PDF Summary:What to Expect the Second Year, by Heidi Murkoff

What to Expect the Second Year, authored by Heidi Murkoff, provides a comprehensive guide to navigate the remarkable growth and development that occurs during a child's second year of life. The first part highlights key areas of focus, including physical milestones, nutrition, hygiene practices, and the acquisition of essential skills.

The second part explores the behavioral and emotional transformations that characterize this pivotal stage. Murkoff offers insights into nurturing a young child's independence, fostering healthy play habits, and establishing appropriate disciplinary approaches. This guide aims to equip parents and caregivers with practical strategies to support their toddler's overall well-being throughout this exciting and demanding phase.

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Toddlers receive the best nutritional advantages when their diet incorporates calcium, vitamin D, and fat-enriched milk.

Murkoff recommends providing toddlers with whole milk due to the essential fats it contains that support their brain development. Speak to your child's doctor to verify if this variety of milk is appropriate for your little one.

When considering alternative calcium sources, it's important to factor in toddlers' reluctance to consume milk and any associated allergies.

Heidi Murkoff points out that although milk provides a significant amount of calcium, it is not the only source. Yogurt and cheese are also excellent sources of calcium. Toddlers who may have allergies or a distaste for milk can still meet their calcium needs with alternatives such as fortified juices, tofu, and leafy greens including spinach and kale. Murkoff recommends seeking guidance from a medical expert to confirm that your young child is getting a sufficient supply of vitamin D, which may include the use of supplements.

Addressing the management of food allergies in toddlers.

Speak to your pediatrician to learn the appropriate approach for detecting and managing any food sensitivities your little one may have. For additional information, refer to page 393.

Children adhering to vegetarian or vegan dietary practices should be provided with sufficient amounts of protein, B12, iron, calcium, and fat to support their healthy growth and development.

It is crucial for parents to ensure that their toddlers get all the essential nutrients while following a vegetarian or vegan diet, as stressed by Murkoff. Adequate protein can be obtained through a variety of foods including dairy products such as milk and cheese, eggs, grains like quinoa, a range of beans, and nut or seed butters applied sparingly, along with soy-derived items such as tofu. People adhering to a vegan diet must make certain they receive adequate amounts of vitamin B12, potentially through the inclusion of fortified products or the use of nutritional supplements. To improve the absorption of iron derived from plant-based foods, Murkoff suggests incorporating vitamin C-rich foods into each meal. Young children following a plant-based diet can obtain the calcium and vitamin D their bodies require from fortified plant-based milks, including varieties derived from oats or cashews, and they can acquire essential fats through consumption of avocados and oils pressed from rapeseeds. Murkoff advises adding milled seeds or nuts to a vegan toddler's meals to compensate for the essential fats usually obtained from animal-based foods.

Advice on choosing suitable meals, ensuring hygiene, and monitoring behavior when dining in public with a toddler.

Murkoff recommends persisting with the sometimes challenging dining habits of your young child to guarantee an enjoyable experience when eating at a restaurant. She recommends choosing fast-food restaurants, picking options that are attractive to toddlers, and eating at times when the establishments are less crowded. To reduce the chance of mishaps and spillages, it's advisable to clear the dining space of breakable items, to manage portion sizes by placing a plate on your lap, and to request that sauces or additional condiments be provided on the side. To reduce the tension that comes with eating out when accompanied by little ones, which differs from the laid-back outings before becoming a parent, she recommends choosing eateries that take reservations or are usually not fully booked.

Safeguarding toddler health through the careful selection of clean fruits and vegetables and by making sure that all meat, poultry, eggs, and fish are thoroughly cooked.

Murkoff underscores the importance of confirming the safety of food before it is consumed by toddlers. The small size of young children heightens their vulnerability to illnesses caused by bacterial infections and to the chemicals used to control bacteria in their food. Murkoff underscores the significance of ensuring food safety right from the time of acquisition, specifying twelve specific kinds of fruits and vegetables that should ideally be obtained through organic means, while also pointing out the ones that generally have minimal amounts of pesticide residue. She also recommends meticulously cleaning all produce to avoid contamination and emphasizes that the safest choices are products such as pasteurized dairy and eggs, along with beverages that have been treated with the same process. Murkoff advises thoroughly cooking various meats, including beef, chicken, and fish, to specific temperatures to ensure harmful bacteria are eliminated, providing a useful reference to ensure food is safely prepared.

Ensuring the purity of water accessible to toddlers and being vigilant about the presence of BPA in food storage containers.

To confirm that your drinking water is free from contaminants, it's recommended to check its purity with your water service provider, despite the common assumption of its safety. The author underscores the necessity of using water that has been treated with chlorine, purified, and devoid of any metallic contaminants including lead. To reduce concerns regarding chemical pollutants, Murkoff recommends installing a water purification system or, for a more economical option, purifying your water by boiling it or letting it stand for 24 hours. Heidi Murkoff advises that to determine its chemical makeup and confirm its purity from bacterial impurities, one should evaluate well water biennially. Murkoff recommends ensuring that bottled water is as safe as or safer than tap water by checking for a seal of approval from NSF International or by contacting the organization directly. Consult with your child's pediatrician to confirm the suitability of fluoride levels in the bottled water you give to your toddler. She advises against using distilled water, as it lacks all minerals. Murkoff explores the potential link between BPA, also known as Bisphenol A, and developmental difficulties in the brains of young children. When selecting items like sippy cups and teethers that your toddler may gnaw on, opt for those labeled as not containing BPA.

Other Perspectives

• While proper nutrition is crucial, some experts argue that too much focus on diet can create anxiety around eating for both parents and children, potentially leading to feeding issues.
• Identifying hunger cues is important, but some children may have medical or developmental issues that affect their hunger cues, necessitating a more structured approach to feeding.
• The role of snacks can be controversial; some nutritionists believe that structured meal times with fewer snacks may better regulate appetite and prevent overeating.
• The emphasis on calorie counting, even if discouraged, can be problematic. Some argue that focusing on the quality of food rather than calorie content is more beneficial for developing a healthy relationship with food.
• A one-size-fits-all guide on food categories and portions may not account for the individual needs and appetites of each child.
• The recommendations for transitioning from breastfeeding and bottle-feeding may not align with every family's beliefs or circumstances, and some families may choose extended breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
• The recommendation for whole milk may not consider the latest research on dietary fats and their impact on long-term health, and some experts advocate for reduced-fat milk options for toddlers.
• Alternative calcium sources are important, but the bioavailability of calcium from these sources can vary, and some may not be as easily absorbed as calcium from dairy.
• The approach to managing food allergies in toddlers may not address the complexity of introducing potential allergens and the latest research on allergy prevention.
• Vegetarian and vegan diets for toddlers can be nutritionally adequate, but they require careful planning to ensure all nutrient needs are met, which can be challenging for some families.
• Dining out with toddlers can be unpredictable, and the advice provided may not work for all children or may not be feasible in all dining establishments.
• The emphasis on food safety and organic produce may not be financially feasible for all families, and the risk of exposure to pesticides and bacteria can vary widely depending on geographic location and socioeconomic status.
• The concerns about water purity and BPA exposure may not reflect the risk level accurately for all populations, and some experts argue that the risks are overstated compared to other environmental concerns.

Behavioral, Emotional, and Social Development (including sleep, discipline, and moral development)

Throughout the toddler's second year, both the child and their caregivers face a variety of challenges, as Murkoff observes. During this stage of growth, it's common for children to display challenging behaviors, including sudden displays of frustration.

Common behaviors exhibited during their growth stages by young children.

Murkoff offers guidance on handling behavioral challenges and provides strategies to assist caregivers during this critical stage of development.

The inherent inquisitiveness of a toddler compels them to explore their surroundings, despite potential dangers, and it's crucial to recognize this facet of their growth.

Murkoff characterizes the investigative actions of toddlers as an inherent part of their growth. She acknowledges parental worries while highlighting the significance of respecting the natural inquisitiveness and educational instincts inherent in toddlers.

Understanding the common behaviors of toddlers as they strive for independence.

Murkoff observes that toddlers often exhibit challenging behaviors in their quest to establish independence. She underscores the necessity of understanding that these steps toward autonomy are normal and appropriate for their child's stage of development.

Supporting a young child through the emergence of envy, dependence on soothing routines, and potential developmental backslides as they adjust to the arrival of a new sibling.

Murkoff provides advice to ease the transition for a young child who is about to become an older sibling, promoting a more harmonious adaptation for both children. Make certain that the individual caring for your little one while you're in the hospital is familiar with their usual dietary preferences, sleeping habits, and everyday activities. Maintaining a stable environment can enhance your child's sense of security when you are not present. To commemorate the addition of a new member to the family, Murkoff recommends giving your toddler a unique gift that recognizes their transition to being an older sibling, thereby nurturing their feeling of being part of the occasion.

Encouraging a young child's inherent desire to investigate their surroundings by providing a variety of opportunities for education and exploration.

Murkoff highlights the importance of what may seem like disruptive actions in toddlers, as it is essential to their developmental journey. As your young child turns the pages of a magazine and inadvertently tears one, or knocks over a container filled with blocks, they are learning about the relationship between actions and outcomes, comprehending the basic rules that dictate how things work. Murkoff suggests encouraging your child's inquisitiveness by providing an assortment of boxes, baskets, and appropriate receptacles for their exploration of filling and emptying.

Engaging toddlers in games that include throwing appropriate, harmless items can encourage correct play habits and manage their natural tendency to toss objects.

Toddlers should participate in activities that improve their throwing skills. Motivate your little one to participate in games that include tossing balls with peers and adults by providing them with appropriately sized and manageable balls for their developmental stage. Murkoff cautions against throwing objects that could harm individuals or damage possessions.

Managing the incessant tapping behavior of a toddler requires creating an environment with acceptable noise levels, safeguarding against any harm, and providing suitable outlets for their need to express themselves.

Heidi Murkoff notes that it's common for toddlers to hit objects as a way to explore their environment and grasp the connection between what they do and the results that follow. To protect a toddler's hearing, she recommends making sure that any music playing is soft enough that you can easily hear yourself talk over it, and to monitor the volume of television, video games, and computer games, too. Foster your child's enthusiasm for beats by showing them how to safely engage with sturdy playthings like a toy workbench, producing rhythms on a toy drum, or striking resilient, unbreakable items.

Teaching a little one the difference between suitable noise levels for inside and outside settings can aid in controlling their spirited expressions.

Murkoff observes that parents may find it unexpected to see their young child delve into and play with their recently enhanced linguistic abilities. Encouraging and developing this challenging habit can be achieved by engaging in activities such as singing, role-playing, and playing games that involve whispering. Matching a child's volume by raising your own voice will merely escalate the noise, according to Murkoff. She also recommends fostering a more tranquil environment in the household to encourage gentler speech in your toddler.

Dealing with toddlers' aggressive actions necessitates creating strategies to control and understand why they may resort to behaviors like hitting and biting.

Murkoff points out that toddlers, still developing their ability to empathize, might use biting and hitting as a means to express their needs. Heidi Murkoff underscores the significance of allowing your little one to exercise choice within established and appropriate limits, making certain that their decisions are recognized and valued.

Addressing the inclination of a toddler to yank on hair forms part of understanding and reducing aggressive actions.

Murkoff observes that hair pulling, like biting and hitting, is just another form of aggressive expression used by a frustrated child. The writer recommends a uniform approach to managing the actions of youngsters who pull on hair, akin to the methods used for those who strike or gnaw.

Understanding the significance of a steady schedule or a beloved object for a young child while they investigate their environment.

Murkoff explains that when a toddler consistently chooses the same cup with a flower design for breakfast or shows fondness for a favorite teddy bear or treasured blanket, it serves as their way of managing the constantly changing aspects of their surroundings. Your child gains a feeling of stability and comfort from established routines as they navigate the thrilling but sometimes daunting journey of growth.

Guiding a young child through their hesitation to establish new habits by providing options and implementing suitable limits that correspond with their stage of growth.

Murkoff emphasizes the challenges parents face in guiding their toddlers through the process of adjusting to new environments. She recommends being flexible with your toddler's requirements and allowing comforting habits to persist when possible. To handle the inevitable transitions, like departing from a gathering despite your child's hesitation, eating the morning meal prior to them being completely attired, or when they need to have their hair cut or nails clipped, she suggests providing plenty of reassurance and getting your youngster ready in advance.

Assisting a toddler in navigating the strong feelings of worry and unease they encounter during separation from their caregivers.

Murkoff acknowledges that parents may feel overwhelmed and exasperated by their young children's persistent need for proximity and the evident upset they display during separations. She offers advice on managing such behavior, which includes: ignoring it when feasible by sticking to your usual activities, distracting with a quick, engaging interaction, a song, or a new toy, and when ignoring it isn't feasible, offering a simple acknowledgment like "I'll be back in a moment" in a calm voice before you step away to handle something else, giving your toddler the space to seek solace on their own terms, and remaining patient with the understanding that while adjustments might be gradual, they will happen eventually.

Guiding a toddler who is striving to become self-reliant and to gain control over their surroundings.

Murkoff observes that toddlers often favor the term "no," and their resistance tends to rise when they sense increased pressure to agree to a demand. To minimize conflicts, she recommends shifting focus away from the dispute by suggesting, "Shall we prepare to leave the playground?" "Let's see who can exit the play space ahead of the others!"

Establishing appropriate limits and expectations that are in harmony with a young child's stage of growth.

Heidi Murkoff underscores the necessity of setting limits that not only ensure a feeling of safety for young children but are also suitable for those who are starting to cultivate essential skills for self-control. By the time they reach five years of age, most children can clean up their toys on their own before going to sleep, or might need just a slight nudge, unlike toddlers between the ages of one and two, who generally do not possess the ability to perform this task.

Other Perspectives

• While maintaining stability for a child adjusting to a new sibling is important, it's also beneficial to prepare them for change and help them develop adaptability.
• Giving a special gift to a toddler becoming an older sibling might not always address the underlying emotions of jealousy or competition; open communication and inclusive activities could be more effective.
• Encouraging exploration is key, but it's also important to teach toddlers about boundaries and safety to prevent accidents.
• Games that involve throwing can be constructive, but they should be balanced with activities that promote other skills to ensure well-rounded development.
• Creating an environment with acceptable noise levels is good, but it's also crucial to help toddlers understand and communicate their emotions, which might be causing the loud behavior.
• Understanding and controlling aggressive behaviors like hitting and biting is necessary, but it's also important to address the root causes, such as frustration or lack of communication skills.
• Routines and familiar objects provide comfort, but children should also be gently encouraged to explore new experiences to foster adaptability.
• While guiding toddlers through new habits is important, it's also essential to allow for individual differences in the pace of development and to recognize that some children may need more time to adjust to changes.
• Assisting toddlers with separation anxiety is crucial, but it's also important to gradually build their independence and confidence in being apart from caregivers.
• Establishing appropriate limits is necessary, but these limits should be flexible and adaptable to the unique needs and temperament of each child.

Engaging and conversing consistently during the toddler's second year.

Murkoff underscores the essential function of play in advancing a toddler's development.

Children benefit greatly from playtime, as it offers them the opportunity to explore their surroundings, express emotions, and try out various roles.

The author stresses the importance of engaging toddlers in fun activities, which play a crucial role in their social, emotional, and physical development, and greatly enhance their comprehension of their surroundings. Engaging in fun activities allows toddlers to understand how various objects function, express their emotions, and explore different roles.

Choosing appropriate playthings that align with a young child's stage of growth is essential for maintaining their safety, encouraging the development of their physical abilities, and promoting creative play.

Murkoff emphasizes the importance of choosing a variety of toys that cater to the complete development of your toddler, including their physical, cognitive, and language skills. Choose playthings that encourage imaginative role-playing, such as stuffed animals, action figures, and dolls. She also emphasizes the importance of selecting toys with safety in mind to minimize hazards. Make certain that your child's toys are secure, especially those that could cause harm, pose choking hazards, emit sounds at a volume that could damage hearing, break into sharp pieces, or are painted with toxic substances that might be swallowed.

Ensuring that the area where your toddler plays is clean and safe can assist in reducing the accumulation of toys.

Murkoff recommends setting aside a specific area for your child's playtime and arranging their toys in a way that minimizes the risk of accidents like stumbling on scattered items, tugging items off of shelves, or ingesting hazardous objects. Storing baskets on bottom shelves proves to be efficient. Heidi Murkoff recommends a method for tidying up after play that also serves as an educational moment by setting a regular routine for toy arrangement, simplifying the task into smaller steps, adding fun aspects such as tunes or playful activities during the tidying up, and providing plenty of commendation for the youngster's involvement in the activity.

Toddlers' participation in various play activities is closely linked to the improvement of their focus, verbal abilities, and their social and physical growth.

Play serves a greater purpose than mere entertainment, as Murkoff emphasizes. The manner in which a toddler engages in play reflects their growth in physical, social, and cognitive areas, as well as their progress in learning. Observing a toddler's choice of toys and their interaction with them, such as tossing a ball, meticulously assembling blocks, or filling a cup, along with their style of play, which encompasses the accuracy of their toss, the neatness of their structures, and their interactions with other children, including sharing, taking turns, or steering clear of aggressive play, can offer parents insightful details regarding their child's developmental progress.

Dealing with a toddler's preference for playing with a parent in relation to setting limits on playtime

Murkoff observes that during playtime, toddlers usually show a preference for the company of their parents, whom they hold dear and view as perfect playmates. Toddlers develop essential play skills and key social capabilities for engaging with others by watching and emulating the behaviors of their primary caregivers. Murkoff recommends that parents set limits during play that promote solitary engagement among toddlers, which in turn supports the growth of their autonomous abilities.

Introducing a toddler to their first dental visit can help reduce nervousness and build a good relationship.

Heidi Murkoff emphasizes the benefits of early and positive introduction to oral care for young children, aiding them in dispelling any fears associated with dental visits. To help a young child get used to the idea of dental checkups, she suggests imaginative play with a doll and a toothbrush, along with reading a storybook that illustrates the experience of a youngster going to the dentist.

Encouraging a child's artistic development involves balancing their creative impulses with the safe conduct of art-related activities.

Murkoff emphasizes the significance of nurturing a child's natural tendency for creativity by supplying appropriate resources at an early stage of growth. Young children may not always discern appropriate canvases for their creativity, requiring careful monitoring to avert accidental drawings on your furnishings or unexpected patterns on your newly cleaned clothes. To maintain cleanliness and orderliness, choose drawing tools that are both washable and non-toxic, such as chunky crayons, and use them with a sizable piece of paper that can be easily wiped and secured to a surface, while also placing a protective mat beneath the booster seat at the dining table for additional safeguarding.

Encouraging a young child's passion for creating music, which is intertwined with dancing, educational growth, and calming experiences.

Toddlers show just as much excitement when they make music as when they hear it. Dancing, a delightful activity that involves moving to music, not only helps to improve a young one's coordination and physical skills but also serves as a beneficial way for them to express pent-up emotions and energy.

Supporting your toddler as they overcome fears of play equipment while respecting their unique pace.

Murkoff observes that children's willingness to engage in play that might be considered hazardous, such as activities found in playground settings, differs greatly; some children may fearlessly dive down slides headfirst, while others may hesitate to even try out a basic swing at the park. Rather than pushing for play, she recommends giving a hesitant toddler all the time necessary to adjust, with a parent nearby to offer reassurance ("See, I'm right here") and encouragement ("You can try one time if you'd like"). Murkoff suggests a step-by-step method to help a young child become comfortable with playground equipment, starting with climbing up the slide without sliding down right away or gently swinging on a swing meant for bigger kids with just a little push. Your child may require several trips to the playground before feeling confident and comfortable enough to participate in the activities.

Involve your young child in enjoyable group activities with appropriate peers.

Murkoff suggests scheduling a few social gatherings each week, which typically meets the social requirements of the majority of young children. Scheduling too many playdates could lead to an overload of socializing, which may in turn prompt negative behavior. She recommends organizing playdates for toddlers that span a sufficient duration, usually ranging from 60 to 90 minutes, to avoid overtaxing them. Schedule social gatherings or playdates for your child during periods when they are typically cheerful, well-rested, and have eaten.

Teaching a toddler to recognize and carefully manage their personal belongings is important.

Murkoff explains that when toddlers claim ownership with exclamations like "Those are mine!" and grab toys from peers or clutch a stuffed animal to avoid sharing, they are in fact engaging in a crucial aspect of developing their sense of self and comprehension of what it means to possess something. Understanding the concept of "mine" is essential for young children as it helps develop their sense of self, independence, and security, which are necessary precursors to grasping the concepts of "yours" and "ours." To nurture your child's sense of possession, which can foster a willingness to share, Murkoff suggests that you: (A) refrain from compelling your toddler to share their personal belongings when it's not suitable; (B) recognize and validate your child's feelings when they hesitate to share at your behest, meaning you should approach the matter with understanding rather than insistence; and (C) encourage your toddler's emerging sense of self in connection with their possessions by consistently referring to their items by name, such as saying "This is your train," or "This is your special teddy bear."

Toddlers frequently grapple with understanding the importance of sharing and waiting for their turn as they tend to prioritize their own desires.

Murkoff highlights the typical difficulties toddlers encounter when they start to grasp the idea of sharing. Young children are starting to understand the idea of ownership, but they still need to develop the substantial cognitive leap to recognize that these ideas apply to other people as well. At this age, as children are primarily centered on themselves, the idea of parting with their cherished possessions even for a short while can seem like an eternity, particularly since the concepts of taking turns and sharing are sophisticated ideas that they probably won't understand for a few more years. Murkoff underscores the significance of respecting and recognizing the perspective and belongings of toddlers, rather than forcing them into unfamiliar activities, as they often have minimal experience with sharing within their domestic surroundings. Honor your toddler's choice to not share a particular toy, such as a beloved teddy bear, and act in a manner that acknowledges this decision. Murkoff also encourages you to encourage your little one by noting all those times he or she actually does engage in some sharing and give-and-take (with you, with other family members, or even with a playmate) with lots of positive reinforcement ("Thank you for sharing your cookie! You made Mommy feel good!").

Guiding a young child through their social encounters and setting boundaries with other children.

Murkoff recommends teaching children appropriate social behavior by offering gentle direction rather than strictly controlling their exchanges during group activities or social gatherings. As children engage with their peers, their skills in social interaction develop, though this process can sometimes present significant challenges. When minor scuffles occur, such as a soft nudge rather than a strong strike, it's acceptable to observe for a moment before stepping in. She does, however, advise taking immediate steps if interactions turn aggressive.

Other Perspectives

• While play is crucial for development, structured activities and formal learning experiences also play a significant role in a child's growth and should not be overlooked.
• Age-appropriate toys are important, but it's also beneficial for children to interact with a variety of objects that aren't traditional toys to stimulate creativity and problem-solving.
• Keeping a play area clean and safe is important, but some research suggests that too much emphasis on cleanliness can impact the development of a child's immune system.
• Play activities do enhance various skills, but the role of genetics and temperament in a child's development should also be acknowledged, as they can influence a child's focus, verbal skills, and social interactions.
• Setting limits on playtime to encourage independent play is valuable, but it's also important to recognize the benefits of parent-child play on bonding and learning.
• Early dental visits are beneficial, but some children may still develop dental anxiety despite early introductions, and alternative methods may be necessary to address these fears.
• Encouraging artistic development is important, but it's also crucial to allow for unstructured and messy play, which can foster creativity and exploration without the constraints of being overly concerned with cleanliness.
• Music and dancing are beneficial, but not all children may be inclined towards these activities, and their interests should guide the types of activities they are encouraged to participate in.
• While it's important to respect a child's pace in overcoming fears of play equipment, it's also necessary to gently challenge children to try new things to help them grow and learn to manage risk.
• Group activities are important for social development, but the quality of interactions can be more important than the quantity, and some children may benefit more from one-on-one play or smaller groups.
• Teaching toddlers to manage personal belongings is part of fostering independence, but it's also important to teach the value of communal sharing and the idea that not everything needs to be owned to be enjoyed.
• Toddlers may struggle with sharing, but it's also important to recognize that sharing is a complex social skill that develops over time and may require different approaches depending on the child's developmental stage and understanding.
• Guiding children through social encounters is essential, but it's also important to allow children to navigate some conflicts on their own to develop conflict resolution skills.

Guiding your little one's actions towards positive outcomes is essential.

Murkoff emphasizes the importance of customizing disciplinary approaches to be appropriate for a toddler's stage of development.

Other Perspectives

• While guiding a child's actions towards positive outcomes is essential, it's also important to allow children to make mistakes and learn from them, rather than always steering their actions.
• Customizing disciplinary approaches to a toddler's developmental stage is important, but it should also be recognized that children are individuals, and a one-size-fits-all approach within the same developmental stage may not be effective for every child.
• Viewing discipline as a teaching tool is a positive approach, but it's also necessary to acknowledge that discipline can sometimes be perceived as punishment by the child, regardless of the parent's intention, and this perception can affect the child's emotional state and behavior.
• Discipline that is too lenient or too focused on teaching without clear boundaries may not provide the structure that some children need to feel secure and understand expectations.