If you made a short list of the things my son is absolutely obsessed with doing right now, it might include the following:

• Play with our computer and the cords
• Try to climb in the fridge when it’s open
• Stand in the kitty litter box
• Rock the floor lamp back and forth

Fun stuff huh? My guess is, your toddler has his own list of things he’d love to do if only you’d let him. Teaching them the word “no” becomes critical as kids get bigger and are able to get into more and more dangerous or harmful activities.

How do you do it? There’s no one way to teach your baby the word “no”, but here are some tactics you can try:

• Keep your cool. Your kid won’t know what “no” means right away, and if he listens to you 25% of the time right now, you’re ahead. Be patient. Getting mad or frustrated will only make it worse.
• Distract. Once you’ve got them away from the bad behavior, discourage them going back to it by giving them an alternative. If your toddler feels ignored or bored, they might act out or do something they aren’t supposed to for attention or for lack of something else.
• Praise obedience. If they do what you want them to, shower them with praise. It’ll encourage them for next time, and they’ll feel like you saying “no” isn’t a punishment, it’s an opportunity to do something good.
• Don’t say “no.” We’re teaching my son body parts, and “nose” sounds a lot like “no.” Sometimes when we want him to stop something, he just puts his finger up his nose. Try saying “Don’t” instead, and it may lessen their confusion.
• Lead by example. If you don’t want your baby to jump over the couch, you shouldn’t either. Anything you do, they will imitate.
• Give them a chance to respond. If your kid isn’t in danger, they are just doing something you don’t approve of, say no and give them an opportunity to stop themselves. If they don’t immediately go over, stop them and say no again. The key is to match the word no with their action.
• Don’t laugh. Sometimes toddlers do silly things that are hilarious, even though they shouldn’t be doing them. My son figured out how to climb onto his high chair tray. Funny yes. Safe, no. If they think the word no is a game, they’ll play it every chance they get. It’s O.K. to have a sense of humor, but most of the time you should be consistent and have a serious reaction.

Got any tips to share on teaching your kid the word no?

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