Parenting Advice for a One Year Old

by Desperate Mom

I am a first time parent and my daughter likes to claw people in the face and I don't know what to do. She is usually a sweetheart, but lately she has had a mean streak.

What can I do to stop my one year old from being mean?


Sincerely,
desperate mom

Dear Desperate Mom,

If your little girl is doing what I think she's doing, it is ABSOLUTELY what almost EVERY baby does - grab at your face with those sharp little fingernails of theirs, and think they are quite funny about it too.

The best thing to do (that I've found) is to not "over react". Babies seem to think that the more you screech out in pain, the funnier it is!

Try to remain calm, serious, and stern. You know, make your furrowed eyebrows, frown, and tell her, "NO! That hurts Mommy!" And use that deeper voice so that she knows you mean business and that this is no game.

Then almost immediately after, with your softer, nicer voice say, "Be gentle." And show her what you mean by touching her face.

Your daughter will get the idea... eventually. Really, it doesn't take all that many stern "No's" before she understands.

And don't feel bad. Your baby isn't "mean". She thinks she's being a practical joker. She scratches your face, you wail... that's funny. I guess babies like that slapstick (and slap-scratch) humor.

You might want to be on the look out for slippery banana peels.

Dr. Julia