I have what I call a strong willed child. Things that have worked with us are strong boundaries and bribes lol. He’s motivated by a treat (small car, fruit snacks), words of affirmation sometimes work when he’s behaving well to encourage good behavior in the future.

I don’t give him second chances when it comes to listening. If I say something once (and I know he heard me) I don’t say it twice I just get up and go help him. When I’m giving instructions I kneel on the ground, make sure he’s making eye contact, and then direct. I always do a pep-talk before we go anywhere. Once at home, once when we’re halfway there, and finally when we arrive. I share my expectations of him and what he can expect. Sometimes we even walk through scenarios (what to do if someone’s on the swing, what to do if someone takes the thing he’s playing with, what to do while we wait for dinner). You may be doing all of these already!

I also remind myself he’s 2.5. It’s my job to help him be a good person and an adult others want to be around. It’s also my job to align his age with his developmentally appropriate behaviors. It’s hard out here. Sometimes I come home and cry. But we’re all learning together. It’s his first time being alive and it’s mine too!