How to deal with a stubborn two-year-old

How to deal with a stubborn two-year-old

Here are some tips that may help in dealing with a stubborn child at this stage:

• Don't take this natural stage personally

When your child says no, he means, "Should I do this?" or "Do you mean that?" It doesn't mean that he doesn't respect you, a negative response should not be confused with disrespect or intent to annoy.

This stage is important for the development of personal independence in a child, so try to approach it with humor and amazement.

• Learn about your child's motivators 

For example, if your child always refuses to sit in the car seat, you can give him a reward simply by sitting in his seat, such as: getting a tablet, or playing music he likes.

But if the child continues to be stubborn, be strict and tell him that you won't do anything for him until he is in the car seat.

• Give your child many options

This method helps your child feel free and in control and thus become more cooperative with you. Examples of options that you can allow your child to choose between is having him choose the fruits he prefers to eat as a snack , and the shoes and clothes he wants to wear, and the more your child feels that he can make decisions, the less stubborn he will become and more collaborative.

• Teach your child to respect the rules

There are rules about your child's safety and there is no room for discussion, but you can explain to the child why the rule must be adhered to.

Avoid using commands such as do this or something else. You can replace them with, "I'm sorry, but you need to do this now."

• Give the child some time to change activities

For example, if your child is enjoying playing around the time for dinner, tell him to finish playing in 5 minutes.

• Avoid saying no to your child excessively

Instead of saying no directly, you can say, "Let me think about it." If you're going to agree to something, do it right before your child insists or starts crying and screaming. You should also give the child a reason to say no.

Who is the stubborn child?

Now that you know the most important thing about how to deal with a stubborn child at the age of two, it is important to know that not every child who exercises his free will is stubborn, and it is also important to differentiate between being stubborn or determined to do what he wants. 

Strong-willed children are smart and creative and ask a lot of questions, which can make them seem stubborn and rebellious. 

As a stubborn child clings to his opinion and refuses to listen to any other opinion, here are some other characteristics that distinguish a stubborn child, which include the following:

• Shows an urgent need to be appreciated and listened to and may try a lot to get your attention.
• He can be very independent.
• He insists on doing what he likes.
• He often gets into outbursts of anger .
• He shows strong leadership qualities that may reach bullying at times.
• He loves to do things at his own pace.

Tips for parents to deal with a stubborn child

After we have provided enough information on how to deal with a stubborn child at the age of two years, here are some important tips, which include the following:

1. Don't follow strict rules with your child

The more rules a child has, the less likely he is to accept them and the more stubborn he will become.

2. Don't punish your child just for saying "no"

Punish your child for his wrong behavior and not for his words. Punishing the child for saying: No, will prolong the behavior on his part, and this is not in your best interest.

3. Don't give up easily

You may have to give in to your child's demands, especially if he's screaming and collapsing in public, but it's important to stand your ground so that he doesn't learn that he'll get what he wants in the end by yelling and angry.