16/02/2025
♥️SAVE this post for future reference so you know what to say to your toddler rather than just saying “no.”
Similar to using the speech strategy of “narrating”, it’s important to:
▪️Validate children’s emotions
▪️Elaborate you’re reasoning
▪️Provide a positive explanation
These are all teaching your child speech & language skills too like learning vocabulary for emotions, following directions, learning verbs, etc.
As a pediatric SLP working with young children, I’ve seen many of my clients get upset when they’re told “no”, but when they are provided with more positive statements vs. only saying a simple “no”, I honestly see a difference. Of course it’s not always guaranteed it’ll work, but I’ve seen it work most of the time!
If you think about it, toddlers hear the word(s) “no”, “stop that”, “no don’t do that, “no be nice” constantly throughout the day. And I’m not shaming parents who say this, I understand the intention behind it!
However, although some toddlers may not say as much, you’d be surprised how much they understand when we do explain things to them in a more positive way.
With that said, I’ve included some scenarios on what to say rather than “no” that may help you and your child.
💬Have you tried these types of phrases yet? What has worked for you and your toddler? Comment below!
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