Junior The Nay Sayer

My son is 2 months short of being 2 years old. Time is flying away. He goes to nursery, has learned a lot of new things and can now say 2-3 words combined. He has also started his no-phase. So what’s the no-phase I hear you ask?

Well it’s basically where they’ll say no to pretty much everything if it’s not in their interest much to the annoyance of their parents.

So whenever I ask junior to do something, he’ll say no. Then he’ll think whether if it is in his interest. If it is in his interest he’ll say yes otherwise he’ll continue saying no. If I have the energy I’ll try some reverse psychology where I’ll say “fine, don’t do it then” in which case he’ll quickly show interest (in 99% of the cases).

It’s a phase (I hope it’s a phase) that tires Mama & Papa out. Using constant reverse psychology requires a huge amount of energy, and constant nay saying basically pisses us off ending in lot of shouting (Mama & Papa) and crying (Junior).

I can’t stop worrying about the best way to handle this. My aim is to lay a foundation that is not built upon stubbornness. But it’s too early to explain things; he cannot comprehend the consequences of his actions and understand good from bad.

Any advice from other Mamas ?