If I am not wrong, the kid has acquired a new word today. I am happy that I can finally add another entry to her limited list of known words, but that new word also spell trouble to me. Oh, the word I am talking about isn’t “trouble”, that would probably be too advanced for her. She is into the word “NO” today.

It shouldn’t be much of a surprise that “no” will be one of the kids first words. We adults everything also “no” to them. When they stand too near the TV, we say “no”. Playing with some paperbacks - “no”. Pulling tissues - “no”. Trying to grab some chips from us, again “no”. I wonder if I have overused the word “no” and discouraged her from wanting to try out new things.

Anyway, I am observing if she is going to make use of this newly learnt powerful word and get things done her way. The novelty is still around, and I can still think that it is again cute and amusing to see children say “no no no” while shaking their heads to reject something. But what if she starts using it like a vengeance and says “no” to everything I would like her to do? Wah, that would be a war that require some strategic planning. I can visualize her shooting “no no no” out of her mouth like some missiles aiming at me. Need to devise some protective shield against the raid and can’t let the “no” become her weapon.

And I also wonder, should I listen to her seriously when she says “no”, or should I just brush it aside and do what I think is best accordingly? Acceding to her protest might just spoils her and nuture her defiance, while ignoring her voice might leave an impression that her own wish or view are not important. Again, tough.