By now, your
toddler's tendency to say no to everything may be starting to vary a little. As he acquires more language comprehension and vocabulary, your child will be able to:
- Negotiate a bit
- Understand the concept of choosing between two items (but no more than that)
- Understand a brief sequence ("We can do this after your bath")
But don't be fooled. He's still in the business of trying to get his own way, assert his independence, and test his limits. Be clear about what you expect from him. A young child doesn't really understand "Be good," so opt for a precise instruction such as "No hitting" instead. Try not to talk too much when setting limits — a lot of words overwhelm, upset, and confuse your
toddler. Keep it simple.