When your toddler says no to everything

Two choices instead of one question changed our mornings.

A toddler dancing in a room

Somewhere around eighteen months our son discovered the word no, and used it for everything. Shoes, breakfast, the bath, the park.

What helped

Offer two choices. Not "shall we put shoes on?" but "red shoes or blue shoes?" Both answers get you out of the door.

Give a warning. "Two more slides, then home." It does not always work, but it works more often than surprise.

Pick your battles. A raincoat on a sunny day hurts nobody.

What to remember

Saying no is how toddlers learn they are separate people. It is a stage, and it passes. Mostly.

Worried about something?

Ask your clinic or doctor

These notes are one family's experience. If something does not feel right, phone them.