I found that instead of constantly using the word no, explaining the situation works better. Just like we get annoyed at saying it, im sure they get annoyed hearing it. So instead of frustrating myself by repeating the same word over and over, I pretty much end up holding a conversation. That way she develops language skills AND understanding.
I’ve had success differentiating between “No!” when they’re about to do something dangerous or harmful vs. other phrases for things that are less serious. I don’t want our kids to hear “no” all the time because I think it loses its effect and eventually becomes one of their first words if repeated too often. So for things like putting books in the mouth, or dog toys, I’ll say “not in the mouth” and point to my mouth while shaking my head. But when they’re about to do something dangerous or harmful, I say “No!” the same way I would if I was training a dog - deeper voice and a bit more abrupt. And then, once they listen, I cheer them on the same way you would a dog as well. Sometimes they cry from how I say “no,” but for things that are dangerous, you almost want that to be the effect. They need to notice how important those moments are to listen vs. others.
I could have written this post myself!
This is very hard to do but I have felt like it makes a difference. So instead of saying no don’t put that in ur mouth. I’ll say for example “cable is not for putting in the mouth but here you can put these in ur mouth” and giving her teething toys. So instead of no jumping on the couch say “couch is for sitting, we sit on the couch. “
I was having the same problem but the repetitiveness is how they learn although can be frustrating 😬 I try to balance it between keeping him away from certain things and saying no to other things depending on what it is… my mother in law was round one time and she said ahh ahh ahh in a certain tone and he listened then I did it and it’s worked ever since