A Conversation for H2G2 Parent and Child Group.
Why do toddler always do the opposite of what you want?
Woodpigeon Started conversation Apr 2, 2002
This is a very simple question. When you say "don't do that", they do it again. Examples below. His actions, not mine.
"Don't drop those eggs in your hand". Splat.
"Don't hit daddy". Slap. Ouch.
"Don't slam the door". Wham. Wham.
"Get away from that beautiful flower". Pull. Pick. Dismember. Throw away.
Why is that? What can you do or say that makes them behave, even a little?
Woodpigeon
Why do toddler always do the opposite of what you want?
Mistdancer-X-sporadically coherent Posted Apr 2, 2002
Not a lot!
Seriously though, I used a "3 warnings" system. I started when my son was about 2 and a half. He gets warned to stop/start doing something three times, then he gets a smack. After a very short time, he realised that if he did what I asked, the smack never happened!
Now he's 5, I just count. If I get to three, he gets a smack. I rarely get past two before he does as he's told!
Although if you read my latest journal entry, you'll see that he can still be quite inventive when he wants to be 
Why do toddler always do the opposite of what you want?
Woodpigeon Posted Apr 2, 2002
Oh God he didn't! LOL! ROFL! 
That made my day...
Great story!
Why do toddler always do the opposite of what you want?
Mistdancer-X-sporadically coherent Posted Apr 2, 2002
He certainly did!! One to remind him of when he brings his first girlfriend home!
Still makes me giggle!
Why do toddler always do the opposite of what you want?
World Service Memoryshare team Posted Apr 8, 2002
Ooo Mistdancer, he's canny isn't he?!
I don't know (because I'm not anywhere near that stage yet) but I do wonder if toddlers do the things you don't want them to do, because when you say not to do something, it enforces the idea in their little heads. 'Now, that would be a good idea' they think and off they go.
Why do toddler always do the opposite of what you want?
Serephina Posted May 5, 2002
I think they do it just to wind us up..lol My son is a real terror and has also recently turned 5.His goldfish died this morning and he couldntve cared less!(he only got them 22 weeks ago as a birthday present),he was a tiny bit concerned about the other one for 5 mins..then was ore interested in joking about feeding the dead one to my friends cat!A still wondering if the poor things demise has anything to do with my catching him feeding them biscuits the other day!!
Why do toddler always do the opposite of what you want?
doggymad (the dog with the curly tail that just wont go straight!) Posted May 13, 2002
Anouther question I have always asked myself, why do children always learn the word "no"??
My daughter is only coming up for 2 and yet no matter what i ask her/tell her to do its answered with a "NO"
I learnt not to tell her not to do something, and that ay you escape them doing it. as someone said the attraction is in you telling them not to do it.
Why do toddler always do the opposite of what you want?
Serephina Posted May 13, 2002
just realised i put 22 weeks instead of 2!lol
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Why do toddler always do the opposite of what you want?
- 1: Woodpigeon (Apr 2, 2002)
- 2: Mistdancer-X-sporadically coherent (Apr 2, 2002)
- 3: Woodpigeon (Apr 2, 2002)
- 4: Mistdancer-X-sporadically coherent (Apr 2, 2002)
- 5: World Service Memoryshare team (Apr 8, 2002)
- 6: Serephina (May 5, 2002)
- 7: doggymad (the dog with the curly tail that just wont go straight!) (May 13, 2002)
- 8: Serephina (May 13, 2002)
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