Wonder why your toddler is always saying No!?
In this episode I discuss why toddlers frequently use the word “no,” not as defiance, but as a limited-language way to express preferences, opinions, or discomfort. I encourage parents and caregivers to respond with curiosity and empathy instead of reacting negatively, as it’s an opportunity to understand what the child truly means.
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March 31, 2026
Episode 319
What Your Toddler Really Means When They Say NO! (Little Linguists Part 10)
About Your Host:
Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of Core4Parenting. A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.
As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the forthcoming book Talk to Them Early and Often, a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.
Interested in being a guest on the podcast? We’d Love to hear from you! Complete the Guest Application form here.
Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed is a Vermont based Early Childhood Educator, Collaborative Parenting Coach, and the founder of Core4Parenting,. She is the passionate mastermind behind the Collaborative Parenting Methodology, a birth-to-five, soul and science based framework that empowers parents to maximize their child’s early learning while raising fantastic human beings who succeed in school and life.
While teaching preschool and Kindergarten, she noticed her students knew their ABC’s and 123’s, but struggled with their social, emotional, and interpersonal skills. At drop off, parents would say, “We’re so glad that you are their first teacher”, but she knew she wasn’t -- their parents were! This realization led to her professional pivot as an online Early Childhood Parent Educator and Coach.
Cara has embraced her role as thought leader and fierce advocate for Pandemic parents raising the COVID Generation (GEN-C).
Through keynotes, teacher training, and her podcast, Transforming the Toddler Years, she’s teaching the 5 Executive Functioning Skills kids need to navigate our ever-changing world.
Cara has Bachelor degrees in American Sign Language (ASL) and Linguistics and a Master’s degree in Education. She lives in southern Vermont with her two nearly grown-and-flown daughters and a husband who is her biggest cheerleader. Ready to raise world ready kids who change the world? Visit www.caratyrrell.com/bio to begin your Collaborative Parenting journey!