https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:48:16 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/2-year-old-not-listening-and-laughing-when-i-say-nostop#post-2892169 Wed, 24 Jul 2019 15:25:10 +0000 shabang 2892169@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@peaches1038: This is all such good advice!</p> <p>Just commiserating - my first child was also super sensitive to the word "no" and did not test boundaries like the others have and continue to do. Once I realized that it was developmentally appropriate, it helped me maintain patience with the situation. Because it makes no sense to discipline a child for something they cannot control! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/2-year-old-not-listening-and-laughing-when-i-say-nostop#post-2892162 Wed, 24 Jul 2019 14:55:27 +0000 peaches1038 2892162@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is super common and normal! Around 2 is when parents start to have an “expectation gap” in terms of their child’s behavior. Basically, we think they are able to control their impulses way more than they actually can, which leads to frustration and big feelings from everyone. I try to phrase things by what I WANT happen, not by what I don’t. So for instance I would say “water stays in the tub. If you can’t keep it in the tub, bath time will be over” then I would take him out and say “you were having a hard time keeping the water in the tub so bath time is over. We can try again tomorrow” Calm and matter of fact. I try really hard not to get upset about his behavior. If I need a break I say “I am feeling frustrated and need a break” and then I walk away for a few minutes. It’s fine for kids to see how you manage your own emotions too! Also, if he cried when following through, I just say something like “oh you really wanted to stay in the tub. We can try again tomorrow. Do you need a few minutes to be upset or would you like a cuddle? I’m here when you need me”</p> <p>You’re doing a great job and remember that this is normal! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/2-year-old-not-listening-and-laughing-when-i-say-nostop#post-2892131 Wed, 24 Jul 2019 12:28:36 +0000 Mrs. Pajamas 2892131@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Petitduck: @bees_knees: @thepicklemonster: Thanks so much for the quick replies and commiseration. I always follow through with the consequence, what worries/frustrates me is she doesn't seem to learn from that consequence and it's making me crazy. I know it's age appropriate but my patience is terrible. Ugh. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/2-year-old-not-listening-and-laughing-when-i-say-nostop#post-2892128 Wed, 24 Jul 2019 12:18:17 +0000 bees_knees 2892128@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This 👆🏼 And make sure you follow through every time. It might take a few times...it makes it harder in the short term but WAY easier in the long run. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/2-year-old-not-listening-and-laughing-when-i-say-nostop#post-2892127 Wed, 24 Jul 2019 12:16:56 +0000 Petitduck 2892127@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pajamas: I have no ideas but my 2 year old is exactly the same and it is very frustrating and I didn’t experience it with my older kid. I have also had nightmares about cat accidents and running into the street so I try to be really firm about my hand being held while in the parking lot and on the sidewalk, which is pretty much the only rule listened to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/2-year-old-not-listening-and-laughing-when-i-say-nostop#post-2892126 Wed, 24 Jul 2019 12:07:58 +0000 thepicklemonster 2892126@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is totally age appropriate and very frustrating. We have some success with natural consequences but you have to be prepared to actually follow through. Also they are testing and trying to get a reaction so I just try to stay as calm as possible. </p> <p>“No splashing outside the bath, please. If you splash one more time, bath time is over.” And actually take kid out of bath if they do it again.</p> <p>“Please don’t throw food on the floor. If you do that again, dinner time is over.”</p> <p>For bedtime/pajama stalling, I say “if you don’t come here for PJs now, we won’t have time for all our stories.” </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/2-year-old-not-listening-and-laughing-when-i-say-nostop#post-2892121 Wed, 24 Jul 2019 11:55:22 +0000 Mrs. Pajamas 2892121@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm super frustrated and need some advice. DD2 just turned 2 and her ability to listen when I say "no" or "stop" is awful and it really scares me. She will either turn around and smile/laugh and then just keep going or just totally ignore me. I usually try to calmly tell her what the consequence will be if she doesn't stop, and I always make a big deal when she does listen (clapping, "good girl", hugs, etc.) but I'm scared one day she'll run into the street and not listen and it will be awful. I resort to picking her up and yelling NO often and she just cries and it's loud and sucks for everyone. </p> <p>Examples from last night:<br /> 1) splashing too much in the bath and got me wet. I asked her three times to stop and when she didn't I pulled her out and yelled "NO"<br /> 2) I let her out of her high chair when she was done eating and said to stay close by...and she ran away into the house where I couldn't see her. I had to run after her and pick her up and she did NOT like that. </p> <p>Ideas???? </p>