The “No” Way
The word no indicates refusal, rejection or disapproval Shaking your head from side to side is an action which nonverbally conveys the same meaning.
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Physically remove/redirect your child away from inappropriate activities.
Shake your head “No”, and accompany the gesture with the word.
Consistently say “No” and shake your head in
various situations (e.g., to protest, to indicate refusal, to deny/decline). Use firm touch, shake your head “No” and say “No” when your child is taking a “forbidden” object. Remove “forbidden” objects from your child’s hands, shake your head “No” and say “No.” Give him many opportunities to indicate “No” with a shaking head, or saying the word “No” by providing your child with choices throughout the day (e.g., “Do you want ____ ?”). Offer your child two objects (e.g., two foods, two toys), one of which is a favorite and the other less desirable. Give him the less desirable one first, providing the opportunity to reject it. Offer undesirable options which you know he will reject (e.g., “Do you want to go to sleep?”).
