How to Create a “Yes Space” for a 1-Year-Old
When a 1-year-old begins moving and exploring, suddenly he’s into everything! How do we discipline a 1-year-old, set firm limits, and keep them safe in a peaceful, respectful way?
The approaches I discuss here have worked for hundreds of my clients in the Present Play membership. Those who didn’t start implementing these techniques at this age usually wish that they had.
There is a lot of conflicting information regarding disciplining children in this age group. Much of it involves parenting from a place of fear that we can’t keep our children safe.
- It makes your relationship based on fear.
- It might not work and you’re still responsible for your child’s safety.
- It might create pushback especially as he becomes a bigger toddler.
- It will model for him saying “NO” and being contrary.
- It doesn’t respect his innate need to explore.
INSTEAD: create a YES SPACE – a safe space that offers a great opportunity for baby to play independently.
In doing so you’ll liberate both yourself and your child from constantly saying no to each other.
(Learn more about how to turn your “No” into “Yes” here.)
A 1-year-old’s job is to explore, touch, taste, feel, climb, grab, smell all of the things they come across. These sensory experiences influence the way the brain grows and develops. It is our job to make sure that the things they come across are safe.
Based on the RIE philosophy, providing a YES SPACE involves reframing our approach to involve disciplining with love. It means considering the true meaning of the word, “discipline” (think: disciple, student.) – learning.
Do you want to teach your baby that the world is a forbidden, dangerous place? Or that the world is safe and loving and they are allowed to be free in it?
Rather than manipulating your child, manipulate the environment.
Doing so will liberate both you and your child from constantly saying, “no” to each other.
NOW is the time to cultivate independent play.
10 Ways to Create a YES Space
- A mat or comfortable rug on the floor (not too fluffy for baby’s breath)
- A gated off area, a playpen or a completely baby proof room
- Absolute 100% safety (so you can take a shower)
- Some open-ended toys (scarves, blocks, balls)
- A climbing opportunity
- Soothing and understimulating walls
- Soft music
- Natural light and natural elements
- Time with you and without you – communicate when you’re leaving and gradually increase increments
- A great mindset and loving energy
↓ ↓ ↓ LEAVE A COMMENT ↓ ↓ ↓
How has this approach worked for you? What is something you could easily change in your child’s environment to encourage safe, independent, exploratory play?