Non.  Nein.  Nyet.  Lo.  No.

No matter how you say “no” it’s an important part of the parent-toddler equation, as we are now learning with our 2 year old.

On a daily basis, we find ourselves saying “no, don’t do that.”  I haven’t quite gotten to the point that some advanced mothers have gotten to where they can actually see behind themselves (as if they have eyes in back of their head), but I have reached a point where my spider-senses tingle enough for me to utter “no” when I see a certain smile cross our toddler’s face and a certain glint appears in his eye.

But, it’s not just us who have learned the power of “no.” Our toddler, Ivan, has developed a real affinity for the word as well.  Indeed, on a daily basis, he exercises his veto power, saying “no” to a whole range of questions, requests, suggestions and demands.

Time to go to bed – “no”

Time for bath – “no”

Time to go to school – “no”

The list goes on.  Point is, we’ve all gotten very good at “No.”

Now, we just have to learn “yes”