'They need to learn'!!

[difficulttimes]

I have heard this alot from different generations etc and I can't quite decide If I agree, The 'don't move anything brakeable, they have to learn!' idea about toddlers.

I was never raised with this ethos, my mum never had ornaments out, my grandma hid all hers and kid proofed her house, I suppose I've been raised with the expectation that its the adults responsibility to make sure the house is toddler proof.
However, since I had my son I've increasingly come across this view, and It doesn't sit right with me. But If I dont agree I feel like i'm being lazy.

AIBU to not follow this line of thought???

I'm sort of on the fence with this one, younger toddlers up to About 3 yo are too young really to get it, but once you get to about 3yo they really should be learning to listen to people when they say don't touch, and to respect other people's possessions. I remember breaking one of my grandmas favourite ornaments at about that age, and I think I was more upset than she was. I certainly learned, and fast!

I was dusting my Grandma's ornaments by age 3! Which is why I have inherited the ugliest cabinet in the world (trademark), currently languishing in parents' garage. I would do anything to have my DGM back but OMG her taste in foofy ornamentals!!!

Children will learn by braking things then being told off, or seeing it broken. If you're happy with your stuff being broken as a teaching tool, then fine, if not, shift it until they are old enough to understand. (It's amazing how many people think that by 18 months a non-verbal DC should be able to understand the concept of 'fragile', how do you teach something other than trial and error before you can have a conversation with them? Trial and error is just fine with cheapo crockery from tescos, but if it's an antique vase, best not)

Blimey I'm shocked at that socket covers link [runs off to remove all socket covers]. Thank you.

I do firmly believe that children should learn the meaning of the word "No", unfortunately neither of my little darling are yet showing any signs of agreeing with me.........

Bastards.

We never baby/toddler-proofed our house either and all our ornaments etc out as usual. DD has always been careful (after a lot of stern "No"s from me) so has never been an issue. Interestingly she's the only one of her friends who doesn't go to another person's house and touch/open stuff.