When can we start actual disciplining the child?

Discipline, in the form of setting limits, reinforcing good behaviour and discouraging less desired actions should start as young as when your child is a baby. However, recognize that as a baby, your child may not be able to comprehend your explanations. Therefore, “discipline” in this case is more of damage control than educating him/her on the consequence. Also, understand that some actions performed by a baby may appear mischievous to adults but are actually simply their form of exploration and learning. For example, when a baby throws food on the ground, he/she is simply developing control of his/her hands and also trying to find out what will happen to the food. It is important not to overreact in such cases. Disciplining a young baby involves setting limits and rules. The best way to do so would be by distracting and redirecting your child’s attention when he/she does something that is off-limits. Your child could also recognize changes in the tone of your voice. So use a different tone to help establish rules. Once your baby is about one-year old, he/she could better communicate and you can start explaining rules to him/her. I found this article useful in explaining how to start disciplining a child from young: http://www.parents.com/baby/development/behavioral/when-should-you-start-disciplining/