How Do You Handle a Child That Fights You on Everything?

try making a game out of everything its a phase she is going threw we went threw it and still do at times but as xander gets older he is doing it less and less...and sometimes you need to let them do things for them self we got to the point unless we have company or he wants his booster sit we let him just sit on his knees when we eat lot less fighting and it makes him fell like he is in control which helps

Hi D. G,
Pray for lots of patience! Two years is a very challanging and a fun year. With having four children and a day care I found that consitancy and patience got me through, strong will children will always push, but they will also go far in life with good strong guidance. So stay firm and loving and have each task you have ask the child to do be done. Then with lots of love and hugs for the good chooses, soon the good will be more than the bad. Being home with your child is one of the best things you can do for her:) God Bless D. Jean

You are definitely describing my daughter, and all I can say is that she is now 4 1/2 and such a wonderful, cooperative, absolute pleasure to be around (most of the time). Hang in there! This behavior will change eventually. During the "disagreeable 2 to 4 stage", I feel like I could have handled things better if I had been able to maintain my composure and not show signs of anger or frustration (which seemed to fuel her disagreement and her tantrums). When I began to relinquish a little control to her, her temperment began to even out. For example, the day I let her get into her carseat completely alone was the day the struggle stopped. My advice would be to give her as much independence as you safely can, but make boundaries very clear, especially where safety is concerned. Choose your battles and even let her win a few. Hope this helps.......I remember how hard it was!!!

Talk to her. She's old enough to understand pretty everything you say. Tell her what you are about to do with everything. If you are going somewhere say "do you want to get in your car seat and go bye bye? You have to sit in your seat if you want to go to the store". If she's poopy be silly with her and say to her "ooooo, you stink! Let's change that diaper. Stink, stink, stink". I have to be extra silly with my son to get him to be still sometimes. Just remember you are the adult. Don't force her to do something, convince her that she wants to do it. Make it seem like it's her idea. Are you ready to brush your teeth? Then let her start, and you finish. Or let her brush her own teeth for a week or two alone. As long as she isn't eating candy, which she shouldn't be at two, it won't hurt if they aren't perfectly cleaned for a week or two. Let her have a little control over a few things, but gently make sure she knows you still have the final say. This is the sort of thing that worked for my older 2, and continues to work for my 20 month old.

Hi D.,
I think that your daughter is going though a phase. My 2 year old neice used to do the same thing to me, she is going through the terribel 2's. Things will get better. Another thing is maybe she is ready to be potty trained, that is what we did with are neice. We potty trained her and she is doing alright now. Maybe you can interduced the potty to her and see what happens. Well I hoped I helped! Don't worry things will get better like I said it is those great terribel 2's.

A.

Sounds like my daughter on a bad day. Mine has sensory issues.

Do you give her a time warning? For example: three minutes until we need to change your diaper. Then procede with two minutes and one minute countdowns. This helps with both my daughters. I have virtually no tears anymore thanks to this - even when it comes to leaving a playground! :-)
Good luck!