Udommana Promchawan
Early Childhood Education Specialist / Chairperson and Principal, Melodies International Kindergarten and Nursery
After graduating from a Thai high school at the age of 17, she studied Japanese in Japan for one year before entering Waseda University. She spent a total of five years in Japan. She then moved to the United States, where she studied English for one year before studying at Columbia University Graduate School and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She lived in the United States for a total of eight years.
Trilingual: Thai, Japanese, and English
Many parents feel puzzled when their 2-year-old insists on saying “No!” again and again. This stage—often called the “No-no phase”—is closely connected to the emergence of self-identity and emotional development.
You may wonder, “Why does my child resist so much?” or “How should I respond?” In fact, this strong self-assertion is a healthy and important part of growing up.
Developmental Features of 2-Year-Olds
Around this age, children experience remarkable changes in both emotional understanding and language skills.
Growth in Social and Emotional Awareness
● Pauses when someone is crying or showing a sad expression
● Looks to adults’ faces for cues on how to react in new situations
Language and Communication Development
● Points to the bear in a picture book when asked, “Where is the bear?”
● Begins to use two-word phrases such as “More milk”
● Can identify and point to several parts of the body
● Uses a wider range of gestures—not only pointing or waving, but also blowing kisses, nodding, and more—showing more varied communication
At age two, both the mind and language abilities grow rapidly. When children cannot yet express their feelings clearly with words, “No!” becomes a powerful way to communicate their emotions and needs.
How We Support Children at Melodies International Kindergarten and Nursery
Although we are located overseas, Melodies International Kindergarten and Nursery maintains the same attentive approach found in Japanese childcare settings, responding carefully to each child’s stage of development.
01
Acknowledge Their Feelings
We say things like, “You really wanted to do that, didn’t you?” or “I understand—you don’t want to right now,” so children feel safe expressing their emotions.
02
Offer Choices
We ask, “Do you want A or B?” or “Do you want to do it yourself, or should I help?” Providing choices fosters both independence and self-confidence.
03
Prepare Them in Advance
We let children know what is coming next: “Five more minutes before clean-up,” or “Next, it’s lunchtime.” This helps children prepare themselves emotionally for the transition.
04
Create Rhythms and Routines
Consistent mealtimes, naps, and playtime build a stable daily rhythm that helps children feel safe and secure.
In Closing
A 2-year-old’s “No!” is not an act of defiance—it is a clear expression of developing self-identity.
When parents acknowledge their child’s feelings, offer choices, and create predictable routines, children gain the confidence to express themselves freely and kindly.
At Melodies International Kindergarten and Nursery, we see every “No!” as an opportunity for growth. Through daily interactions, we support children as they take their first steps toward becoming their true selves. We hope these early experiences nurture the strength and emotional resilience they need to thrive in the future.
Melodies International Kindergarten and Nursery
From the Director’s Office