What to do with a really stubborn child?

Question

My son is almost 4 and it seems the older he’s getting, he’s becoming more stubborn. Obviously I understand this is a problem that I need to work on myself (leadership skills) but sometimes I just give in and give up. For example, he says he will brush his teeth tomorrow, always wants me to hold him (I’m 28 weeks pregnant), sometimes won’t pick up something after repeatedly being asked to pick it up, the list goes on and on. Sometimes I’ll stand my ground and it ends in him having a tantrum, sometimes I give in and let him have his way. Does anyone have any tips when dealing with this sort of child?

Answer

4 year olds are expert limit testers, and it can be a challenging age for parents. Unfortunately, giving in sometimes is what’s reenforcing some of his bad behaviors. If you set a hard limit (especially regarding health or safety), you need to enforce it every single time and get any other caregivers on board. 
Sometimes it helps to offer your child choices as long as you are okay with all choice options, for example, “you can brush your teeth with red toothpaste or the blue one” or “do you want to hop or skip to the bathroom to brush teeth?” Or “do you want to brush your teeth to a song or a timer?” Giving choices like that lets the child feel some level of control while still doing the necessary thing. 
You can also use reward sticker charts if your kid is into that—this has helped with my 4 year old with various behaviors. There are lots of free printable ones online, and they can help like “every day you brush your teeth twice you get a sticker, and after 10 stickers you can pick a prize.” The prizes can also be simple/free/inexpensive activities or things like: a slumber party movie night in the living room, or child gets to pick whatever for dinner, or special ice cream date with mom and dad, etc.

Answer

Sounds very normal to me. My nephew was like this when he was 4, didn’t listen, threw tantrums, didn’t pick things up when he was done with them, etc. 
They’re young and also figuring out the world, figuring out mom and dad and what they can and can’t get away with. I’m almost positive your son will grow out of it but until then, it may be tough for a little bit. Stick with it, you got this! 
My nephew is now 10 and now doesn’t listen in other ways and already acts like he’s a pretty-teen but trust me, it’s a lot easier to deal with him now than it was when he was 4 and didn’t fully understand 😂

Answer

Following cause my 4 year old daughter is all of these and more. Now my 2. Year old daughter is following her foot steps. And I am 28weeks pregnant

Answer

you sound like you are talking about my 4 year old daughter 😂 everything is tomorrow lol 🤦🏼‍♀️ i’m 34 weeks and i’m so over it a lot of the days. she doesn’t like to pick up after herself at all, sometimes telling her learning to pick up after herself is going to help make sure her baby brother won’t choke on her things when he is born soon, its to keep him safe and that it’s hard for mommy to do because my belly is too big 🤷🏼‍♀️😂 i try my best and i think that’s all we can do right now. i think validating feelings and just explaining why following rules is important and things like that helps. they are 4 so it is in their nature and we have to just follow through

What to do with a really stubborn child?

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