false

I find it somewhat humorous that my 16 month old has decided that the response to any question is “NO”. I’m pretty sure she’s not entirely sure of what the word means but she knows enough to use it as a reply. “Avery, are you hungry?” “NO”, “Avery come over here” “NO”. It’s pretty cute although I’m a little put off by the fact that my child is picking up on the negative words far quicker than the positives. I’m wondering if I say no too much to her. She does hear that word way more than she hears yes, but how else do you teach your small one what is dangerous or bad. I’ve decided to try to stop using “no” so much and to try to find other ways to teach her what actions are acceptable. It’s funny but before you have a child you never think that much about words. I’ve always tried to tame down my cursing when I’m at work but other than that I’ve been able to freely express myself. Now I have this little sponge that soaks up every word I say. So my goal for this month is to try to use more positive words with the small one. Although it might be a challenge to find another way to tell her to get off the table or to stop throwing the cats food into their water or to not scream at the top of her lungs in public; but I’m going to try. Wouldn’t it be nice if in a month from now when asked a question Avery responded with a “YES”? I can always dream right!

What this little princess telling Mommy no, never!