Often words like discipline can mean such different things to different people, can’t they? Sometimes it is equated with punishment. And it can also be used in a broader more positive sense to mean all of the ways we can guide children to learn boundaries and self-discipline over time, like choice making, teaching positive behaviors to replace less desirable ones, encouraging self-awareness.

I think you’re right that littles don’t have the language to understand verbal explanations alone. Paired with consistent kind developmentally appropriate discipline that relies on clear and loving boundary-setting, the language becomes meaningful over time as they learn and grow.