When do they really understand

[poodlepusher]

if something is dirty or dangerous, or too hot?

My eldest is 18 mths and he backs away from radiators and the cooker, saying "hot", but I'm worried by his fascination with all things culinary. I caught him with a wooden spoon poking the stove top (it was off, I was in the kitchen with him) and when I said "oh no, that's dangerous" he said "stirring", which was what he was obviously trying to do. Of course my heart melts at his little explanations but I'm terrified of him hurting himself with his persistence!

With my DS (21months) He has some idea of the concept of dirty, dangerous and hot but that does not stop him 'experimenting' as he does not have any real concept of the future. This concept takes years to acquire and a real understanding of the consequences of their actions won't happen until then.

Not sure when they understand (unless through experience, which you want to avoid!), but they will understand mummy being cross if they do certain things. So explaining is fine, but taking him away immediately every time is the only way to reinforce that he should not be doing that.

my 18mo ds understands 'hot' but this was learned through experience! I kept telling him not to touch the pipes at my mum and dad's flat as they were hot. Sure enough he grabbed them tightly and learned what hot meant! Now if I say something is hot he says 'nana' so a connection has definitely been made. It was a painful yet useful lesson

Thank you all. I realise it is just going to have to be a long term worry (before it gets replaced with a new one)!