Pretty self explanatory. My nephew who lives with me, starts every thing he says with the word no. He's two and since he's not mine, there's not a lot of punishment I can dole out. Unfortunately, my sister spent little to NO time with him until she moved in with me. So he's just now learning to speak. He's very good at repeating words back, but everything he repeats or says starts with "NO!" He doesn't ever say yes, and I've tried asking him "why" everytime he says it. He doesn't say it to mean no, it's just the first word he says. Is this normal? Can I do something about this?
2006-07-05 08:11:53 · 29 answers · asked by Sandra 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Babies like to say to say NO. It is a point of development, he is becoming his own person. Continue to talk with him--a lot--do not argue with him, nor try to get him to explain why he says No. When you want him to do something or to make a choice, you should give him two choices(both being what you would like him to do) and let him choose what he prefers. Example -- Would you like to drink some orange juice or do you want apple juice? Do you want to eat your lunch now or do you want to sit at the table and eat? Do you want to go out to play or would you like to go outside and swing? He gets some control, you stay in control. Babies/toddlers do not need to be punished, they need positive direction.
2006-07-05 08:22:38 · answer #1 · answered by SCOTT D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd recommend two things - first, talk to him as much as possible, including reading stories, etc. Also, I would build positive reinforcement for using the "right" words like access to the TV, toys, and other things that he wants or likes. Make it clear that "only good boys" get TV, candy, etc. and that using "no" all the time does not put him in the "good boy" category. If there are other kids around, they can model the "right" behaviors, and you can talk to him about what they are doing that *is* good behavior. You don't have to dole out spankings or any kind of discipline beyond setting rules and boundaries for behavior, and withholding priveleges for non-compliance. You can even start off by making things easy, like offering him a spoonful of ice cream (or pudding, or something). If he says "no", you eat it, and make sure he knows how good it is. You can give him another chance to say yes at that point, and if he still says no, the pudding goes away and doesn't come out until he's ready to be a good boy - good boys know how to use their words and say "yes". If he does say yes, reward him right away. If he still says no, ignore him and withhold the privelege. You'll be amazed how quickly he catches on.
2006-07-05 08:22:14 · answer #2 · answered by zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is only two and has had a rough start on the talking side. What worked with my kids when they went through that stage was if you asked them if they wanted a Cookie (or something they like) and they say no first say right away ok, no cookie, teddy bear, favorite toy etc. Don't be cruel but work with him that way. He will get the idea that yes at times is a good work and it will help him know the difference later between yes and no. I have to wonder where he picked up starting a sentence with no all the time though, maybe he was always told no, no matter what he did. If so it will take a longer time to help him get his head stright.
2006-07-05 08:19:27 · answer #3 · answered by redhotboxsoxfan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he's only just learning to speak then he will repeat one or two words a lot - and loads of kids love the word no!! Its easy to say, plus it is getting a reaction if he is corrected when he says it at the start of a sentence, which he probably loves if his mum spent little time with him. Don't feel you should punish him for what is a learning curve for him, he'll soon grow out of it as his confidence and vocabulary grows. Just wait til he learns to say "I want...."!!
2006-07-05 11:50:26 · answer #4 · answered by bertha 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop using the word "no". Use other words such as "don't" "stop" and "try something else". The most common word a toddler hears is NO so of course they will use it the most.
For example, if he is getting into something he should not, instead of saying NO say "Stop". If he is reaching for something he should not touch say "You are not allowed to touch that". Just remove the word from YOUR vocabulary. It will takes some time to adjust but once you do, so will your nephew. Remember toddlers understand more than they can say. Using more words teaches them more words.
2006-07-05 09:01:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They ALL do this. It is a phase that will pass, so long as you don't make too big a deal over it. When you ask him a question, just treat him as if he means 'no' when he says it, and when he has a fit over it (AND HE WILL), explain to him (without shouting over him to be heard) how he should have answered. If you teach him how to respond, he'll start to change.
I went through this as well, and almost tore all my hair out, but after about a month, I caught on, and mellowed out.
Small children have a limited vocabulary, no, mama, baba, mine, dada, cookie... that's about the extent of it. It will develop if you talk to him.
And honestly, your sister should have a much larger role in this. It should have been her asking the question, not you. It's good that you are so concerned. You'll be an excellent aunt, and he'll appreciate it when he gets older. You'll see. Good luck.
2006-07-05 10:15:16 · answer #6 · answered by VeJa_1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normally a word will stick in a young ones mind and that will be the first word they think of. You know the "why" stage that goes through a kid? Why, why ,why, why... well in this case he just says no. Maybe he is so use to hearing no that that world he natually thinks is the answer to everything. I think it's normal but try to ask questions that he can't say no to. Like, do you want a new toy? or Do you want to have fun?
2006-07-05 08:17:06 · answer #7 · answered by Thomas 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have everyone not say no to him!!!! It sounds like he has a hard time growing up, but it sounds like he is on the right track now!!!!!! Keep working with him and give him lots of love and attention!!!! It's probably just a phase, he will be on to something new in no time...It's better then "what the hell?" That's my 2 year old choice phrase these days. He only heard it once and says it ALL the time!!! Good luck with everything!!!
2006-07-05 08:19:26 · answer #8 · answered by jadegrl99 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't worry about it as long as he shows a normal behaviour in everything else, he's not saying "no" to annoy anyone, possibly he heard that word a lot and he's trying to communicate using the vocabulary he's catching at this point in his life.
Keep an eye on him, take a lot of videos because it's sure going to be a lot of fun to watch those videos within a few years.
2006-07-05 08:21:21 · answer #9 · answered by Guillermo S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot of great answers on this post. I just want to say that it's normal for toddlers to say, "No." It's a sign of independence. I've heard kids say, "No," think about the question after answering, and then change their minds to "Yes." So in answer to your question, "How do I make a toddler stop saying "No", you don't. As he gets older, he will learn that he can't get what he wants by always saying, "No." You also said that his mom didn't talk to him before he moved in. Maybe he needs to learn more words before using them regularly. I found this site for you. http://www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/your_kids/toddlers_no.shtml.
2006-07-05 09:59:14 · answer #10 · answered by auntie_kk3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋