No No NOO!

I don't think I have ever used the word "no" so many times in a day! I find myself saying "Janelle, no!" countless times each day. It is no wonder that one of the first few words children learn is the word "NO". Now, I am attempting to use variations of "no" - like "you cannot do that", or use the positive form like "sit down" instead of "don't stand up".

Last night I was reading a book on disciplining toddlers (ie. 14months onwards) and I was surprised to learn that the examples of naughty behaviour quoted in the book are already present in Janelle who's 11 months old! Each day is a battle of getting her not to stand or climb out of her high chair, to not spit out her food, to sit in her carseat (which she absolutely refuses), to not scream, etc etc. It doesn't help that other older mothers tell me that it will only get worse as the kid grows older! That sure doesn't sound encouraging at all.

This morning I had to leave Janelle to play with her toys while I went for a quick shower. Just 5 minutes later I came out and found my bag ransacked, with Janelle pulling out every card and note from my wallet! Decided to snap a picture of her caught in the act...