The first time they use it in defiance, it’s kind of cute, but when your toddler’s favorite word is “no,” it’s undeniably frustrating. <\/p>
While some kids say it more than others, the truth is, toddlers and “no” are an iconic duo. “This is part of recognizing they are their own person, separate from the parent and that they have agency, the power to express needs,” explains Tovah Klein, director emerita at the Barnard Center for Toddler Development and author of “How Toddlers Thrive<\/a>.”<\/p> “’No’ gets people’s attention, especially parents,” Klein continues. “Repeating ‘no!’ is practice and fun.” It also bears noting that getting pushback will only lead to them doing it more.<\/p> Whether you’re at your wit’s end or simply want better ways to deal with this inevitable phase, here’s expert insight for dealing with toddlers who say “yes” to the word “no.”<\/p> Toddlers emulate what they see, and odds are they hear the word “no” pretty often, explains Dr. Fadiyla Dopwell<\/a>, a board-certified developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Pediatrix Medical Group in Dallas.<\/p> “‘No’ is a word that toddlers frequently hear when being redirected from behaviors that may impact their safety or parents do not want to encourage,” notes Dopwell. “As such, some toddlers say ‘no’ because they’ve heard the word frequently from parents and caregivers.”<\/p> More than that, saying no gives toddlers<\/a> a sense of autonomy and independence. “‘No’ is powerful!” notes Klein.<\/p> As your toddler learns to navigate the world, particularly through language, “no” is a way to be heard, Dopwell says. “Their ability to say ‘no’ allows them to express themselves and how they desire to experience the world.”<\/p> To that point, toddlers<\/a> are curious and saying “no” — and seeing what happens — satiates that curiosity, notes Amy Zembriski<\/a>, a pediatric speech pathologist in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. <\/p> “It can be incredibly frustrating at times, but when toddlers say ‘no,’ isn’t about being defiant or difficult, it’s about them exploring their autonomy and cause and effect.”<\/p> Ironically, no! While it may feel like your child is belaboring every point with their incessant ‘no’s, there are benefits (and the tonnage will decrease).<\/p> “It’s good and important for children to learn to stand up for what they do and don’t want,” says Klein. “As much as we want our children to be kind or polite, we also want them to be able to stand up for themselves, and saying no is part of that.”<\/p> “Kids often overuse ‘no’ initially (because it is powerful),” Klein continues, “but they become more discriminating with it as they get older.”<\/p> And if you’re worried or annoyed that your child’s favorite word is “no,” take comfort in this: “Saying ‘no’ is actually one of the very first things I teach my clients and something I wanted to teach my child early on,” says Zembriski. “It helps children establish boundaries, advocate for themselves and can help protect kids against strangers and communicate with others when something doesn’t feel good to them.”<\/p> “Saying ‘no’ is actually one of the very first things I teach my clients and something I wanted to teach my child early on. It helps children establish boundaries, advocate for themselves and can help protect kids against strangers and communicate with others when something doesn’t feel good to them.”<\/p>— Amy Zembriski, a pediatric speech pathologist<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure> Read more:<\/strong><\/p>Key takeaways<\/h3>
Why does my toddler say ‘no’ all the time?<\/h2>
Is it bad if my toddler constantly says ‘no’?<\/h2>