how not to say no?

[worrymummy]

I feel like I am saying no all the time to my little one (boy). He's into everything and especially anything dangerous or dirty. the more I tell him not to do something the more he wants to do it (like playing with plugs, doors, loo brushes etc). He has also started shouting no all the time which is making me feel awful!
Does anyone have any alternative ideas for teaching toddlers what they can and can't play with?
I am new to this board and very grateful for any advice.
Thanks!

[Lio]

Some things are just no, but wherever possible say 'yes' to other things then give a limitation, e.g.

Can I have a biscuit?
Instead of no, it's lunchtime
say
Yes, but we're going to have our soup first.

Or
Want to look a Thomas on the computer
Yes, but I'm going to look at Mumsnet first

It's habit-forming, feels forced at first then comes easier, and cuts down on a lot of the non-necessary no's.

[DetentionGrrrl]

you could try offering an alternative- eg 'ooh, look at this insert acceptable toy , shall we play with this?'

But the 'no' thing is very normal- he's just learning boundaries and being assertive!

[Lio]

Hmm, just realised that this might work better with an older child, say 2 or 3. For a one year old give yourself a break and just move everything that you don't want him to touch. Put the loo brush up high if poss, move all your CDs up a few shelves (we had to put lots of ours in boxes, but this suited us better than saying no all the time).

[suzycreamcheese]

i tend to use 'later' 'maybe but we'll do this first' 'another time' 'dont think so, dangerous' 'crikey you must be joking' etc..
as i didnt want to hear 'no' or 'thats mine' spoke back to me all the time....

[worrymummy]

Meant to say thank you to all who replied...have now expanded my repetoire to...STOP! and dangerous! and finally got dh to put locks on some doors. I think its made a difference although his favourite word is still no (he's 15 months)!
thank you.....