Desensitization of the Word No
A lot of parents are quite familiar with saying “No” to their children over and over again. Sometimes it becomes a routine of “No don’t do that.” “No stop it.” “No get away from there.” “No get down off that.”
These commands desensitize the word “no”.
So should we not be telling our kids NO? Is there a better way to tell our kids to stop sticking the pen in the electrical outlet? Some say in those specific cases we should be able to use the word No to stop our kids in their tracks. But if we use the word No too often kids then begin to become desensitized to it and will not listen when those rare occasions pop up where you need the command the most.
Personally I use the word No quite a bit and sometimes I think it isn’t necessarily the word but the tone of your voice and how you say the word No that becomes the most influential. If my child is jumping on the couch. I may avoid the word No all togather. For instance, “You need to get down off that couch right now.”
I have actually gotten pretty good in most cases where I don’t even use voices. I give my kids a stare, or I stand up snap my fingers and point where I want my kid to go. So if my kid was jumping on the couch I would stand up, snap my fingers to get there attention, and then point in the direction off the couch. My kids are at the age where they know it is wrong so I don’t need to remind them that it is wrong, I need to direct them away as a form of discipline.
I will point into the other room and they will get off the couch and go in the direction where I point. Not sure why it works but probably the look on my face will give you the answer.
I am interested in hearing how you avoid the word no. Personally I don’t have a problem with the word but I don’t always use the word. I find it more beneficial to tell the kid what they need to do rather than simply telling them no. Maybe cause I am a control freak and can find better things my kids could be doing like cleaning. 
I’m with you, Steve, that when we say no for too many times, the power diminishes. For me, a “no” look will do the trick. Or sometimes a trained sound that resonates with “no”, like ah-ah… is effective too (sounds playful and kids love it).
Another way is to distract the kid’s attention with another toy/object that he loves, getting him away from what he’s not supposed to do.
Or I will give option while saying no just like what I mentioned in this post last week (what a coincidence):
http://www.parentwonder.com/content/view/234/31/
Many times I will tell the child what I want them to do. “Get down from there right now!” I need you to stop talking and follow directions.” “Are you listening? I need you to put away the blocks.” These are things I commonly use in my classroom and at home. Sure, there are plenty of times that I use “no”, but I find it helpful to tell what I actually expect of them.
I agree as well that using the word no is an overused way to discipline. My sister told me the same ting so I tried a different version. Somewhere along the way, I must use “Stop it” a lot because my daughter tells EVERYONE to “Stop it” all the time now. It’s her favorite phrase. I feel bad that I haven’t used more of a variety. I am just going to have to work on it.
I have a lot to learn. Good thing I am still learning.