How to Work WITH Your Toddler’s "No" Phase

Toddler hood is a beautiful age. Watching your baby slowly speak more and more, understand you better and in particular begin playing more creative role-playing games is absolute amazing. But with good things, comes a little challenge... And with toddler that challenge is opposition. Since resistance is a natural part of toddlerhood, the goal isn’t to eliminate it (unless you enjoy banging your head against a wall).

To try and get your toddler to listen a little better or to decrease the amount of stand-offs you experience daily in your home, try the following tricks this week.

Give Them Two Choices (Both of Which You’re Okay With!)

Instead of asking, “Do you want to put on your shoes?” (which invites a “NO”), try: “Do you want to wear your sneakers or your boots today?.”

They still get to feel in control, but you’ve set the boundaries—win-win!

💡Pro Tip: If your toddler STILL says no, stay cool. “Okay, you can choose, or I will.” Then calmly start putting on whichever one you want. They’ll often pick the other one—because TODDLERS.

Make It Fun (A.K.A. Sneak Attack Parenting!)

Toddlers are 100% more cooperative when they’re having fun. Instead of:

❌ “It’s time to brush your teeth.”
✔️ Try: “Let’s see if your toothbrush can find ALL the sugar bugs hiding in your mouth!”

❌ “Get in the car now.”
✔️ Try: “Let’s race to the car—ready, set, GO!”

Turn “No” Into “Yes” (By Saying What They WANT to Hear)

Toddlers are wired to reject commands, but you can reframe your request in a way that makes them feel like they’re winning.

❌“We’re leaving the park now.” (Cue meltdown.) ->

✔️“Ooooh, should we hop like bunnies or waddle like penguins back to the car?”

❌“It’s bedtime.” (Instant refusal.)
✔️“It’s time for a bedtime story—do you want the bear book or the truck book?”

Use “First, Then” Statements

This is MAGIC for toddlers who resist transitions!

🔹 “First, we put on shoes. Then, we go outside to play!”
🔹 “First, we brush teeth. Then, we read your favorite book!”

Let’s be real—parenting a toddler is EXHAUSTING. Some days, you nail it with the tricks above. Other days, it’s a full-blown meltdown in aisle 5 of Target.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone!

The Peace of Mind Parenting Library is packed with expert-backed strategies on:
✔️Toddler behavior & discipline (without losing your mind!)
✔️Sleep training that actually works
✔️Nutrition, development & emotional growth

✨ And it’s just 63 cents per day! (Less than the crumbs your toddler leaves in your car daily. 😆)

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