How do I handle my 2 year old saying no to me?

Question

I'm asking this in the India section because from my personal experience I have found that within the Indian culture children generally are very respectful and obedient to their parents.

Sometimes when I tell my almost 3 year old to do something, he says no. Like for example, "pick up your toys". Most of the time he'll say ok. Sometimes he just says no! Sometimes I'll tell him that I will take a toy away and then he'll do it, but I'm not sure if threats are the right way to go. I want him to obey me because he respects me, not because I threaten him. Even so, sometimes he doesn't care.

What do I do?

Anyone is welcome to answer.

Answer 1

It seems to me that he is a pretty normal 3 year old (almost!)  They are testing their boundaries at this age and seeing what they can get away with.  When he says "no" follow through with what you say you are going to do.  So, if you say "pick up your toys" and he says no, and you told him you would take them, take them.  He will see that you are not kidding and learn to mind you.  If you are a woman of your word with him, he will learn and respect that.  Oh, and sometimes it won't work.  He is almost 3, he is trying his luck, learning the rules.  Best of luck!

Answer 2

rat poison

Answer 3

You just grin and bear it. It shows normal child development. They all do that, at that age.

Answer 4

He will not respect you if you don't follow through.  If you say you are going to take a toy away if he doesn't do something and then he doesn't do it, you need to follow through and take the toy away.  Otherwise, he is not taking you seriously because he knows you won't keep your word.  Also, you need to try not to use the word "no" so much because they copy what they hear.  Try using another word or phrase that means the same thing, like "you can't."  Good luck!

Answer 5

you are overthinking it a little, if i may say. at 2, don't worry about  him respecting you or just doing it because he's being threatened, that's not an issue at 2 years old. his job is to say no and push limits, your job is to set them.

don't think of them as threats, think of them as consequences. if you don't clean up a toy, you don't get to play with it.  if he doesn't care then that's okay, don't worry about the reaction, just follow up on the consequences.

namaste.

Answer 6

You're the adult. Under no circumstance should there be a dispute or argument. You tell him to do something and he does it and if he doesn't do it he loses something he loves. You may think this is harsh but is life going to give him that option? Has life given you that option? You're preparing him to step in the disciplined school atmosphere, work and beyond. If you're a person to whom he can be disrespectful and you'll say "okay" or allow him to argue, you're doing him a disservice. I know it hurts but you go worst case first and then sooner or later - once you've kept your discipline promises, you don't have to go worst case. He'll know, you'll take that toy so he might as well do as you've instructed.