Learning about Yes and No – my face will let you know

This is a good time to introduce your baby to the big concept of yes and no.  

What to try 

• If your baby is doing something well, give them a big smile, and using a positive voice say, “Yes!” 
• If your baby does something that might not be safe, make a frowning face and say “No.”  
• You might want to say why your face is frowning or smiling, “No, hands down. That’s hot." Or “Yes! You can climb here!” 

Good to know 

Remember that your baby does not know what they can and can’t do, they are merely investigating and exploring. Learning about risk and about social rules will happen slowly over the next few years. Try to find plenty of things to say yes to, as a balance for all the things you will need to say no to as they become more curious about their world.