u/Latter_Craft_2667

I know this is probably a funny question for seasoned parents because the real and humorous answer is “never”. But what I’m wondering is, at what age does communication with your children start to click for them and they begin to understand things like “no” and “that’s hot, don’t touch” and “please stay here” etc.

My baby is almost 1 year old and right now when I tell him “no” to something he busts out that adorably mischievous grin and does the thing anyway. He has absolutely no concept of something being dangerous and he still really struggles with understanding being patient and throws tantrums when something he wants doesn’t happen immediately.

I’m aware that at this age all of this is developmentally appropriate and I really only do these things so that he can start to understand them. But when can I expect to see some progress with this? When will it feel like he understands what I’m asking of him or telling him and I can reason with him a bit more?

I just want to be prepared because right now it feels like he gets away with a lot (i know he doesn’t because he can’t yet emotionally regulate and conceptualize behavioral things) but I want to make sure we catch the need for behavioral structure in time.

So some backstory. I started therapy for the first time in March for postpartum depression/anxiety mostly. I had my first baby May 2025 and then found out 2 months postpartum that I was pregnant again. The pregnancy was very emotionally and physically tolling as I was mostly solo parenting all day every day with a baby under 1. I had minor PP depression before getting pregnant again but it really ramped up because of my second pregnancy. I finally bit the bullet and started therapy. It took awhile to find someone I liked so we only had about 5 or 6 weekly sessions before I gave birth April 20.

The therapist is very sweet/sympathetic/soft and I thought that’s what I needed/wanted. But since we’ve taken a short break since I gave birth, I’ve had time to reflect on our sessions. I’ve enjoyed being able to vent to someone who isn’t my husband and understands better the things I’m experiencing mentally. But I don’t really like her methods. She doesn’t really offer much insight on what I talk about but instead turns to methods on how to cope with my depression and anxiety. Although these methods are nice, I’m someone who would rather get to the nitty gritty of things and truly understand how my brain works so that I can heal from it. Depression and anxiety is something I’ve always had and much of it stems from my childhood I think. But I feel like she’s not the kind of therapist to take the approach to dig deeper.

I’m wondering if it would be best for me to seek out a different therapist or if I should just stick with this one and try to help her better understand what I need? She is only my second therapist and I know most people go through many before finding the right fit. Im just worried Id be “breaking up with her” and wouldn’t find someone better. I’m also reaching out to a psychiatrist to get on meds because I think that would help me tremendously. Thanks for any advice!