When does baby "get" gentle?

[sepata]

Pretty much as the title says. I know it's different for all bubs, but around what age do they start understanding it and trying to be gentle? I feel like all I say to DS these days is "soft touch, soft touch" and stroking my face with his hand, and his face with my hand. He's 10mo today - is he still too young to get the concept?

[PumpkinZulu]

DD is 11 months old, and occasionally gets gentle. Mainly with the cats. If she's being rough, I'll take her hand and say "gentle" while getting her to softly stroke whatever she's being rough with. It really depends in we mood and if she wants to muck around or not. Like I said, for some reason she's more prone to being gentle with the cats (lucky cats!).

[~clover~]

My DD was from memory, around 10-12 months when she started to get it. But now she's a bit older (19 months) she's decided she can also choose to ignore it.

[HotI]

i am still saying it, and demonstrating, to my 2 year old. my guess is about 4

[Tinks]

Yes, I think he's too young to understand gentle. I'm not sure when it finally sinks in but my 14 yo DS still doesn't understand!

[~Phoenix~]

DD is 2 and gets "gentle" in respect to herself like when I'm brushing her hair I get "gentle mum gentle" in respect to anyone else...........that's another story, though the dog is luckier than the rest of us lol