Does an 8 month old understand being told no?

@sunrisekn (1466)
United States
December 1, 2006 2:42pm CST
First time mom so forgive my ignorance, but do you think an 8 month old understand no? My son will grab for the dog food and I tell him NO in a stern voice and he laughs and does it again. He only stops when I literally pick him up and remove him from the kitchen. Does he understand and is playing a boundaries game?
1 person likes this
4 responses
• United States
29 Dec 06
If you are consistent with your restrictions he will get the message. Yes you may have to pick him up after telling him "no", but you sending him the right message.
@sunrisekn (1466)
• United States
29 Dec 06
Thank you for the positive reinforcement. It's good to hear I'm doing something right.
1 person likes this
• United States
29 Dec 06
It sounds like you are doing a fine job. By the smile on that cherub's face he is one happy little bugger.
@sarah22 (3979)
• United States
1 Dec 06
yes they understand, but in the same sence let him know that its not nice.yukkie to do that,its good that you then remove him from there as then he will see that your not playng with him. you will be amazed at how much the can understand and even at a young age. i too have a son and i had to say no several time to him at that age. hes 3 and i still have tooo, haha.
@sunrisekn (1466)
• United States
1 Dec 06
LOL--Thanks for your response
@cikedo (3483)
• United States
1 Dec 06
Infants that age are still trying to figure things out. I don't think they really understand the meaning of no until they are about 1 or 2 years of age.
1 person likes this
@sunrisekn (1466)
• United States
1 Dec 06
Mom and dad are trying to figure it out too. I guess it's like the blind leading the blind in my house!! LOL Thank you for your response.
@jmcafam (2890)
• United States
1 Dec 06
try to divert his attention to something else instead of saying no and see if it works.
1 person likes this
@sunrisekn (1466)
• United States
1 Dec 06
Thank you, I'll try that, it's alot of trial and error right now. Thanks for your comment.