As children near age 2, they begin to exhibit a negative behavior - the word "NO". This is a normal part of child development as it signals the transition from babyhood to childhood.

What can Parents Do?

1. Offer limited choices: "Do you want a cheese sandwich or a jelly sandwich for lunch today?'

2. Use as little commands as possible and insist on obedience only when absolutely necessary. Encourage the child to make their own decision in matters that are not that important.

3. Emphasize the positive. " We will have a cookie later" is much better than "You cannot have a cookie now." Negative statements usually cause negative behavior or responses.

4. Be aware of instances when behavior is cooperative and praise the child when they occur. Invite cooperation instead of telling the child what to do. For example: "Will you please not talk to me while I am on the phone."

5. Remind yourself that this is a stage and it will pass and not a personal insult to you.

6. This is part of the self-discovery stage in a child, they are learning to experience a new found independence.

7. Set clear and consistent limits.

University of Rhode Island, United States Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating, Cooperative Extension in Rhode Island prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.

If you are interested in more information please call 401.277.5255.