There are a few parents whose favorite word is no—no this and no that. I was watching a first-time parent of a toddler who was all over the place. She was so frustrated. This little guy was into everything. Unfortunately, no was so common, it was having little effect on discipline. Here are a couple ways you can say no without actually saying no. When your toddler wants more candy you can say, “Too much candy’s going to make you sick and your tummy hurt. Let’s eat a banana.” Or, “If you pull your sister’s hair, it hurts her. She’s going to cry. Be nice.” But, if he’s getting ready to touch a hot fireplace door, screaming no may be just what the doctor ordered. Saving no for emergencies may be wise.
There are ways to say no.
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