11 month old - how much do they understand?

[JoInScotland]

I ask this because sometimes my son (who turns 11 months old today) will rip my glasses off accidentally when we're down on the floor playing and he gets a bit boisterous or is reaching for my face/shoulder, etc. I know he isn't doing it on purpose, but if I tell him "no, don't pull my glasses off" he either hides his face in his "shy boy" pose or - today - lay down with his face on his hands and wouldn't look at me.

How much does he understand? How can I tell him not to do something if he is going to crumple in a heap? It's just from a safety point of view - I got a finger in the eye while he was ripping my glasses off today, I'm trying to make sure he knows it's serious and not a game.

I gave him a cuddle when I saw he was hiding his face from me and several kisses and we played with his pegmen and he was fine, but the incident worried me. He is usually a very sociable, happy boy.

Hmm dunno how much they understand tbh, probably more than we think. My ds does that when told no, he also does the wobbly lip/crumply chin too .

But what can you do? You have to say no and set boundaries. Even though he doesn't much like being told off, it doesn't actually stop him from doing things . If he hits/pulls hair etc I say no and put him down, hopefully it will sink in.

by that age my DS had a few things that he knew he wasn't allowed to do (not too many). Not too young to understand IMO, if anything I think its worth not underestimating them and explaining even if you think its pointless

He's showing you that he doesn't like being told 'no'. That's fine, he doesn't have to like it. But he is not harmed in any way by this. He has to learn boundaries.

You don't need to comfort him when he does this. Just accept his response.

Babies do understand a lot more than we realise. Your DS is reacting more to how you speak than what you are sayini.e. The change in tone.
This article is quite interesting
from the National Literacy Trust

my dd just turned 12 months and definately understands no.
I told her no today as she tried to take the bauble off the christmas tree. She threw herself on the floor in a strop. Later she went back to the tree,looked at me shook her head, said "naaa" then took the bauble and ran as fast as she could..lol

Understanding the word and reacting to it are 2 different things. I think if anything your ds reacting to he word no is a good sign that he understands what you're saying. My dd's diva reaction doesn't make me feel so guilty about saying no. ;)