Early childhood specialist, Louise Porter, discusses strategies for disciplining children aged five and under. She challenges traditional ideas about discipline, arguing that children don’t primarily need punishment—they need love, understanding, and respect. She encourages parents to look beyond a child’s “no” to understand the need behind their behaviour, working collaboratively to meet those needs rather than forcing compliance. She emphasises that children are naturally cooperative and that the goal is to nurture, not damage, this instinct. It also highlights the importance of avoiding both punishment and praise, instead offering supportive, non-judgmental feedback that builds a child’s sense of intrinsic worth and self-esteem.