I hope I'm not alone...

TexasPaige

At this phase in W's life, I feel like all I do is say no. I figured he would test his limits slowly as he has in the past, but he is trying to do everything now. I'm sorry son, but I'm not going to let you dance on the chair. You already fell off once before I could get you down.

I don't feel like I'm that strict. He pretty much has the run of the kitchen other than sharp/breakable items. I wash almost everything before I use it because he has probably stepped on/drooled in it. He wreaks havoc on the clothes in our dressers, but that's easy enough to put back together. Somehow, I am still saying no constantly. No coloring on the floor. No throwing food (the bane of my existence!). No touching ants.

It's just no fun to always be telling him what he can't do. 

jen5-03

You're not alone. There are phases like that.

I tried really really hard to not say no too much. I would redirect her, distract her, try to state it in the positive - saying "we color on paper" and giving her some rather than focusing on the "not on the floor" part. Or "sit on your heiny" rather than "don't dance in the chair".

But in the end you have to set boundaries and that means saying no. A lot.

TexasPaige

I do try to minimize the use of the actual word "no," but sometimes it's just what comes out!

LisaK2b

Is it the same if you say no in different ways??  I'm always doing something to correct her lately.  but I switch it up, 'I dont' think so!' 'uh-uh!' 'what do you think you're doing?" 'that's not appropriate' 'that's not right'....it goes on and on...