Saying NO

I think that you might want to let him use his imagination with his toys and chalk it up to him getting rid of a little bit of frustration through play.

As far as his sister goes, I would only correct him if he is reacting that way for no reason. Siblings can tend to try and annoy one another.

Along with age 2 comes the "no" phase. Don't worry too much about it. I have a 6 yr old and a 4 yr old. The words just keep coming!

Good luck,
A.

Ditto, Peggy....
It's a stage it will be fine they are little repete pete birds...lol...it will be fine...I ditto every thing Peggy said it's even in many mom books.

I wouldn't discipline him for telling his toys no. This is a stage that many 2 year olds go through, and he will eventually stop on his own. Have you heard the joke, My name is No-no, what's yours? That's the stage he is in right now, and as you say, it is because he hears it a lot.

You could explain to him that saying NO is a way to explain innapriopriate or "bad" behavior, which is why you only use it for times that you really mean it. (Like you telling him NOT to stick things in the toilet, etc.) Make it an important word to him, not just something he repeats. You can also use this as a time to explain that just repeating things you hear isn't good also!

Good luck!

I think your two year old is very normally expressing his understanding of your "no" response to him to others in his environment. This is positive and shows you that he is understanding and practicing what you are trying to teach him! One suggestion I have is to make plenty of opportunities to say "YES!!" to him and praise him when you see him telling sister or "Thomas" "yes" as well! I would not discipline him when he tells his toys "no", I think this is a very normal and wonderful part of his development. Likewise, if he is appropriatly telling his sister "no" when he doesn't like something she does, make sure you support him in this. This will guide him in learning how to say "no" to others when they do something that is not in his best interest. Looks like you have a wonderful little assertive boy! Best of luck, F.

ALL two year olds go through saying no to everything, even when they don't mean no. A lot of times they mean yes or are just saying no to say it because they can. Sometimes they say it because they hear it a lot and sometimes it helps them to feel in control of something, because they have so little control in their little lives. It is just part of growing up. Just be patient and don't fuss at him for saying no to his toys. He needs to feel in control some place.

I agree with everyone else. There is nothing wrong with him talking to his toys that way...it would be different if he started acted out his anger. Just remember, he has learned this from example.

I never used the word 'no' with our children because I saw so many children (before we had children) use the word 'no' a lot. So, we said things like..."we aren't going to do that, etc.

I really wouldn't worry about it. But if you would like additional information, you could go to www.loveandlogic.com. It's a great style of parenting. No anger involved, no negative words, etc.

One thing I read once was to tell your toddler "stop" instead of no to cure the no problem. It catches their attention, and sometimes they listen better to it, and in the end, they say no less! Worth a try!
B.

I always find it amusing when I see my children emulating words and behaviors they have learned from me. I take it as a good indicator of how they are perceiving my responses and actions. I think a lot of it has to do with the tone the child is using with the toy :)

Best to you!
E.

Just like everyone else said, it's normal and for the most part healthy. At this age they want to feel in control of thier lives, and have very little they can actually control. So he is trying to be "in control" when he plays with Thomas. It's a good sign really. The only time its of concern is if he were to start yelling or hitting while he role plays. They mimic what they see, so obviously you'd want to stop whatever behavoir you don't want them to do. There was one day our little girl (when about this age) started yelling at her baby doll and putting it in "time out". But the way in which she always yelled at her doll was alarming. It caused us to stand back at look. We realized we raised our voice a lot with her (although I will say in our eyes we never yelled, but to her I'm sure it was) and decided we didn't want her to think it was okay. We stopped doing it, and a little while later she too stopped. If it bothers you that he says no, don't say it to him and like mentioned before, use other words. Otherwise just be proud he is trying to be like his older examples. He's doing exactly what he should be!

His age has alot to do with the word no. Also if you are to over bearing with the word all the time he is just repeating. As far as him telling his little sister no, he is copying what you are doing with him(Teaching). Childen do roll play with others as well as their toys. At his age I don't think you have anything to worry about. Discipline is important in teaching yes and no.
Sincerely,
LAM

Perhaps he's just mimicking you parents and learning what no means by setting boundaries himself with sister and toys (although the reasons might seems voltaile for you they aren't for him). i would not punish him for it, he is learning, and believe me, being able to say no will turn out to be a great thing when he is a teenager! I would let him do it (reasonably). But of course this is just my opinion. Good luck whatever you choose to do!

Hi M.~
This is a very good subject. I too believe it is a healthy phase that he will soon outgrow. I wouldn't even give it the attention of a repremand. I will suggest this though as it has worked well for me..

Instead of saying no to him as much try giving him a choice between different directions to go in. For example: If he's drawing on a wall, instead of reacting with a no, give him the choice of drawing on paper or in a coloring book. Now instead of him feeling bad about himself for doing something wrong he can feel good about making a positive decision. And praise him once he has made a positive decision. He's now gaining a little positive controll over his actions. By giving him choices he can be proud of himself for making a good decision.

This is something you will have to practie at for it to be an instinct just like saying no is your instinct right now but believe me it is a positive way that will help improve his life in many ways.

And as the old saying goes...this too shall pass, lol. :o)

HTH,
C.