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Moments · Big feelings

"No" to absolutely everything

Shoes? No. Breakfast? No. Park, the thing they love? No. Is this a phase?

A toddler walking in the park holding both parents' hands
19 October 2026Big feelings

Shoes? No. Breakfast? No. Park, the thing they love? No. Is this a phase?

Yes. Saying no is one of the first ways toddlers discover they are separate people with their own will. It's healthy, even when it's exhausting.

Try this tonight

Offer two choices you're happy with: "Red shoes or blue shoes?" Turn requests into statements ("Shoes go on, then we go") and save your own "no" for what really matters.

When to check in

Nothing to check here, unless it comes with a loss of words or skills they used to have.

Official guidance: CDC: Developmental milestones

You're not alone.

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