DS (16mo) has just learned the word "NO", and now he won't stop saying it!

[MegBusset]

He doesn't have many other words (star, duck, daisy) although he is very communicative. Anyway, if you ask him if he wants to do anything (cuddle, eat, get dressed, go to the park) he just shakes his head and says "No!"

I'm sure this is totally normal but are there any tactics for dealing with this? I'm assuming he doesn't really mean it every time?

Just don't ask him!

I noticed with all of mine that they went trhough a phase when they said No to everuthing, even when they obviously meant Yes.

It's easier to shake your head than to nod it, espeically for a baby when their heads are so much bigger in proportion to their bodies than ours' are. Also, how often do you say No, and how often Yes? People do tend to say no more than they say yes, and the babies copy that.

Avoid asking yes/no questions - instead of "do you want toast?" ask "Do you want toast or a roll?" - that way there is no opportunity to say No! But do give him opportunities to say no when it's not hugely important to you, as it's good for them to understand they are a separate person with their own opinions.

The novelty wears off after a while. Then they learn exciting new words like "bum" and "poo" which they use at every opportunity for a while...