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Positive Parenting: Terrific Twos By adjusting your expectations and realizing it's normal for toddlers to say no to most suggestions, you can increase your tolerance and reduce your anxiety. Even so, you may want some tips to get you through what can be challenging times: 1) Offer choices. If naptime is becoming a problem, ask your child if he wants a story before he naps. Instead of telling him to wash his hands by himself, give him the choice of washing his hands alone or with your help. 2) Allow situations where your child can say no and congratulate him on his ability to think for himself. Remember you don't always have to be in control. Ask your child if he wants to help you wash the dishes or fold the laundry. 3) Put yourself in your child's place. Imagine a world filled with fascinating things to crawl over, explore and put in your mouth. Public places such as restaurants or stores can be very difficult because you have to be careful what you touch, and keep your voice and energy under control.

4) Try to distract your child. Avoid unnecessary conflicts by directing his attention past the things he's likely to say no to. 5) Set limits. Limits allow children to feel protected. Without them they become anxious and insecure. For the wellbeing of your child, you need to follow through and enforce boundaries, no matter how much he may protest. -- Adapted from an extract of Prescriptions for Parenting by Carolyn Ann Meeks, MD.