20 months old and saying no to EVERYTHING!

[Lefmry]

Is this just a phase? 😩😩

My eldest is five and he has autism so I never went through this phase with him as his speech never developed at the same pace as a neurotypical baby/toddler. He still doesn’t understand yes or no questions mostly.

But oh my god, my second has come along and humbled me greatly. Everything I put on the tv it’s a no. Don’t judge me as I’m also 38 weeks pregnant and heavily relying on the tv atm. Every snack it’s a no. Handing him his lunch it’s no. Any activity/play I ask him if he wants to do it’s a no. I think he’s unintentionally making even himself miserable too tbh.

I feel like I need to be told it’s just a phase 😅

It's just a phase (hopefully!).

Just tune it out. Avoid asking yes/no questions like 'do you want...' and replace with 'here's your snack' or 'we're going to watch Bluey'.

And, no judgement, but turn the TV off as much as possible. It really does impact their behaviour and ability to entertain themselves/self-regulate. It's a good short term fix, but you might be making things harder for yourself long-term. You don't need a screen addicted toddler and a one year old in a years time!

This...
I also try to give a this or that option but if it's stuff like food I just take it away and say ok they then normally sit down for it.