No!
Here's What To Do
1
Help me learn the meaning of "No!"
- Say it with a strong and firm tone.
- Give me a short explanation and see if I'll repeat the word 'no.'
- Redirect me to another activity or physically stop me if necessary.
2
Give me chances to practice saying "no" by asking questions you think I'll probably answer with "no."
3
Help me learn other exclamations by modeling them for me. Examples:
- "Yay!"
- "Uh-oh!"
- "Boo!"
4
If I start using exclamations in my speech, repeat it back to me in a short phrase to let me know that you understand my meaning.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Get down on my level so I can see your facial expressions when you use exclamations.
E
Engage:
- "No! You can't touch the stove, it's hot and dangerous. No!"
- Try to prompt me to say 'no' by asking questions like: "Should we put the bubbles away now?"
E
Encourage:
- I may say 'no' at first when I really mean 'yes.' Let me change my mind.
- Repeat my exclamations back to me and expand on them. If I say "Yay!," you can say "Yay! You stacked those blocks!"
R
Reflect:
- Do I seem to understand 'no?' I might have trouble listening to 'no,' even if I understand.
Not quite ready?
Keep modeling "No!" and other exclamatory phrases. Over time, I'll learn their meaning and how to say them myself.
Ready for more?
Describe our daily activities out loud so that I learn other kinds of words like verbs and adjectives.
As your child masters this skill...
They will understand the meaning and feeling behind "No!" and other exclamations.