My two year old has my full attention most of the time and argues every statement.?

Question

Everything around the house we work on together. Many hours a week she has my undivided attention. Her responses are "no its not", " I dont want to", "I dont have too". What do I do?

Answer 1

What a bright child! Encourage her to get into politics or become an attorney (I'm serious).

If you've tried the time outs fort bing disrespectful, and it doesnt do much, challeng her. Make it a learning moment:   when she pushes you with a "why not?" or "I dont want to..." push her to tell you why she shouldnt or doesnt have to. That way it may discourage her from talking back, but at the same time, it will help strengthen her verbal skills.

Answer 2

I agree with all the above statements--that's a 2 year old's job to learn they are a separate person from you.  One of the best ways of doing this is to say NO.  I'd encourage every parent to become familiar with stages of development (Eric Erikson and others, but I like Erikson best--see link below)  It really helped me understand what was normal for my child and thus, how to respond.

This would also be a good time for you to allow/encourage solo activities so your child can feel a sense of accomplishment by doing things by herself.  That's important for her to develop a sense of competence and growing independence.  If it's HER choice to do everything together, start by encouraging some side-along play (for example, when you are cooking, fill the kitchen sink with water, bubbles, and spoons, measuring cups, etc so she can be close but independent)

Answer 3

lol! I had to comment to this one! Its simple. Read your question "2 year old and argues all the time" lol! They do that. They are 2!!!

Answer 4

When humans get to be two years old, they begin to learn about posession.

This is why it's called the "terrible two's". Every single 2 year old in existence will start to say "no" regardless of the parameters, and will try to create possession and territory. Don't exhaust yourself by arguing, everything will be "no."

Make sure you don't bargin, deal, or use logic. The answer is, whatever you says go. Even if there's a no, your answer has to be what happens.

Answer 5

A two year old's job is to say no. Someone once told me if they are not allowed to say no when they are two, then they will never learn that they can actually say no at any time in their life.

Mom rules no matter what, but don't be discouraged that everything she says is no. She can't argue with you if you don't participate.