Are 2.5 year olds CAPABLE of listening?

Question

I need help. I need help because my son NEVER LISTENS TO ME. I can say “no don’t touch that it’ll burn you” and he looks me dead ass in the face and does it anyways. I can say “come here, it’s time to get dressed” 73 times and he pretends he’s deaf. I’ve tried the counting thing. I’ve tried phrasing it with “I want you to ___. If you do not listen to mama, you will go into summer time” and do a 5 min “timeout”. I’ve tried speaking louder and slower, quieter, singing songs, playing games. 
Like he legit DOES NOT EVER listen to me. So someone, PLEASE give me advice to keep my kid safe because he’s always getting into danger/trouble and also even when he’s not he’s testing every nerve I have and I’m just exhausted 😭
I need ADVICE and HELP and SUPPORT or ENCOURAGEMENT at the very least, not judgement. I literally don’t think I can emotionally handle any type of rudeness at this point y’all. Please fucking be kind.

Answer

1. 2 year olds test boundaries and it's normal for them to try and assert their independence. 
2. Phrase things positively and give him choices, not demands.
3. A 5 minute timeout is not age appropriate. It is recommended that you do 1 minute per year of age, so he should only have a 2-2.5 minute timeout 
4. Offer positive correction and redirection over punishment. It's not good for him to only learn to obey out of fear rather than love and trust. 
5. Children will only hear and remember the last 3 or so words you say. Don't give him some long sentence or lecture. Short and to the point.

Answer

I suggest you give a choice. “Would you like to walk to your room or would you like to be carried.” “Would you like to brush your teeth first or get dressed first.” It can be tedious but giving them a sense of independence can make a difference. I don’t suggest doing this with threats (do this or go to time out) but 2 options that you are fine with them making. Good luck!

Answer

Oh yes my now 3 year old stop listening to me at the age 2. He still doesn’t listen to me😐

Answer

Toddlers are jerks lol I love my son but sometimes he's just a jerk, like the cat that looks you dead in the face while pushing a vase off the shelf. I have a threenager right now and praying its better at 4. Hang in there!

Answer

I find that with my 2 year old and even my almost 4 year old that they are more willing to listen when I ask for their help as opposed to telling them or asking them to do something. So, if I need them to pick up toys instead of asking " can you please pick up your toys?" I say " I need my big helpers to pick up toys" They love the idea of helping mommy do anything. Also trying to get a toddler to do anything when you're frustrated just won't work because they definitely feed off of your energy. Having a toddler is tough!

Answer

No advice for you (mom of two and my son at 4.5 still seems to only hear me when it’s convenient for him). I just want to give you a virtual hug and say you aren’t alone! I made this recently and it seems to help. We chose 4 simple rules - no hurting others, no spitting or licking, no screaming or shouting, and listen, respect and obey - and when he breaks them, he first gets a warning, then a time out, then a time out and loose all privileges for the day. I made pictures because he doesn’t listen, and we’ve tried to be very consistent (I’m a total softy, so it’s hard for me, so maybe the pictures are also for me). It seems to help. But he’s a bit older than your little one. Again - I want to wish you luck. You can do this!!

Answer

Boys have trouble focusing on more than one thing. Get on their level, make sure they are looking at you, and ask from there. Read “Mothering Boys”

Answer

Many 2 years olds love to test boundaries. This is actually typical development. I know it's frustrating at times. My LO is very strong willed. Never wants to do anything unless he WANTS to. The key with toddlers is to give 2 choices so they feel in control of the situation. So for example when we are getting ready to leave I set a time. I will ask my LO if he wants me to set the timer for 1 or 2 minutes. That little change has made a world of a difference for him. I also give him 3 chances to correct his behaviour. If I tell him not to do something more than once and he continues he gets a 2 minute time out. 1 minute for every year according to their age. It helps with my LO most of the time. Everyone has their days though. Consistency is key. Hope this helps!

Answer

Mom of 3 here. 2 year olds don’t listen. I’m sorry mama. I mean, kids don’t listen in general, parenting is a life of repetition. But at 2, for some odd reason, their ability to hear you is lost. Then found again around 4.

Answer

Also following, though oddly have had some success with “on the count of three” for some things.

Are 2.5 year olds CAPABLE of listening?

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