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Know your triggers

Take a moment to analyze the circumstances the last time you yelled or felt defeated by your child. Were you tired? Were you sleep deprived? Did you have a bad day?

Once you know your triggers, take steps to address the core problem first. If you are feeling tired or sleep deprived – ask your partner or a close relative to help you out so you can get some rest, feel fresh and get back in again. Every parent needs a time out from parenting. It’s natural to get burned out if you are trying to do everything single-handedly.

How to Steer Clear of Trouble

Even the most angelic baby can act a little devilish sometimes. While all that impish behavior may be annoying, keep in mind that your little baby is just doing his job: learning all about the world around him. At around 6 months to 1 year, babies are naturally explorers. They’re using all of their senses to get to know their environment, and that means they may try to touch, taste, or happily tear apart everything that’s in sight.

Trying to instill rules or yelling won’t do any good at this age; your baby lacks the developmental ability and understanding of language to know right from wrong.

Don’t Yell

If your baby cries continuously, you may be tempted to let out a yelp. But screaming will just confuse and scare him. Instead, give him a more appropriate toy to manhandle. Or you can take your baby in your arms, play his favorite song, and dance around the room together.

Divert His Attention

Babies are easily distracted, so when you find your little one crying without stopping, simply scoop him up and show him something equally interesting: a colorful toy, a plush puzzle, a plastic bowl and spoon, or even a crumpled brown paper bag. Be sure to cuddle him and chat while you’re redirecting her attention. Hold him close and say in an upbeat way, ‘Let’s go see what fun things we can dig up in the Tupperware drawer!’

Use Your “No’s” Wisely

Even though your baby might not understand words, he definitely picks up on your tone of voice, and a sharp, loud “No!” can be a powerful tool. But if you use “No!” every time he does something annoying, the word will lose its efficacy. Save it for times when your baby is actually in danger of hurting himself. Then quickly pick your baby up and remove him from the situation, and put on your most serious frown. Babies are very focused on facial expressions; it’s how they first learn to read people.  

Take a Break

Of course, no matter how often you say to yourself, “He’s just a baby!” there are times when his mischief-making can drive you nuts. The important thing is to catch yourself before you get so frustrated that you take it out on your baby. Close your eyes, take some deep breaths, and sit quietly until you’ve calmed down. Then call someone to come watch him for half an hour while you go for a walk or soak in the tub — or if no one’s available, put the baby in his crib with a few toys while you take a ten-minute breather.

Model Good Behavior

Actions speak much louder than words, especially if your baby is too young to comprehend what you’re telling her. Instead of constantly saying ‘Don’t do that,’ demonstrate to your baby wh