Saying No

For anyone who has or has babysat a toddler before, you can probably relate to feeling like a broken record. "No! Don't! No no." It seems as though the more you say it, the more the child does not pay attention. But when you turn around from washing dishes and notice your toddler is digging something out of the trash, it's really difficult to not shout in disgust or dissaproval. From my brief experience of watching a toddler, I have figured out a few ways to prevent the behavior and the reaction of "No!"

1. Offer an alternative
A toddler digging into the cabinets to play with pots and pans probably has a toy in his or her room that he or she would enjoy more. Instead of getting a toy for the toddler, take their hand and walk them to their toy chest. This shows them that they can come get a toy when they want to play.

2. Let them "help"
Toddlers are observant of the daily routines such as folding laundry and putting shoes in a certain place. When you have to do your chores, ask for your little ones help. Of course, be prepared for the toddler to unfold the laundry you just folded, but I prefer a little patience and fun while doing chores than constantly turning to see what they are getting into.

3. Notice attention seeking behavior
My niece would intentionally hit her head on the computer desk if someone was using the computer. She was letting me know that I was not being attentive enough. Children may misbehave just to get your attention.

4. Be interactive
A bored toddler is more likely to get into something they aren't supposed to be playing with. A toddler can play on their own, but they also enjoy the interaction of you sitting on the floor with them to play with their toys.

I am not suggesting to eliminate the use of the word "no". Children should know when they have done something wrong or bad, but "no" is not the only way to teach proper behavior. An adult does not want to be told no all the time, and neither do children. Caregivers could use that word less often to have a more powerful effect when it needs to be used.