not the boss

My daughter went through that phase. I said "Fine, you get to cook dinner, wash the dishes. Oh, and don't forget to do the laundry. You'll probably also want to get a job to pay the rent and utilities, too." It worked, I get to be the boss all the time now.

Strong willed little guy eh. My daughter was very similar, it was a constant battle of wills with her. You have to be able to be strong enough to hold out one minute longer than he can. You just have to be consistent. Give him a consequnce for being disrespectful and follow through every time.

That's when you punish him to show him who is in charge.

My first response would be to say that I am the mom and that is better than being the boss. Then imediatly put the child in a time out (age plus two minutes) for back talking. Time out for me is any place where there is no TV, radio, basicaly any entertaining noise and the child must sit or stand very still. Through dealings with many toddlers I have discovered that there is no worse punishment than having to be still and quiet. If you do this every time your little one decides that you are not the boss then he will soon get the picture that the status of Mom is much more powerful (and loving).

You show him just how much you are the boss. You pick up his toys or take away priveleges until he gets it. Do you have an area that can be designated for a time out? Every time you are not the boss he can give you some time in the sime out chair. Use the phrase "you are going to give me some time" so he will know what is going on. Also start counting down from 5 to 1 and make it clear that when you get to 1 he is in trouble. If he won't go to the time out spot pick him up and put him there. Stand there and watch him with your arms folded and reinforce that he is not to get up. If he does get up keep putting him back (careful not to be physically rough) until he does it. He is just challenging you as all children do and you just have to be adament until he gives in. If you are in public and time out isn't convenient let him know that when he gets home he is going to serve his time and he may lose some priveleges like tv, games, videos, toys and so forth. It won't take that long for him to get with the program as long as you are consistent.