I have been reading a lot in the Q&A and the first thing that I find is that the parent(s) dont actually ask and listen to what their children are saying.

It is difficult to get down to their level of understanding and logic I realize, as I

have done it all my kids lives but the child is an individual with their own opinion on what we are doing To them not For them.

Hard as it was for me, I had a debate with my 2 year old in a toy store until he understood that the amount of money he had would only purchase certain toys not what he wanted it to purchase.  It was a long 1/2 hour but it was a successful one and the only time I had to deal with that problem ever again.

I realize it sounds crazy, ask your two year old what they want to add to supper to make it a good one.  What is a proper snack for between meals. Why they do not want to do something.

But think about how we are when told to do something immediately when we are busy doing something at the time.  Give them a choice of time, finish what you are doing, clean up and then we will do ...... or what would you like to do after you do the cleaning up ......

There are a lot of tactful was to make what you want to happen by bringing the question down to their level and making the child think of it themself.  It is time consuming yes, it takes thought and planning yes.  But you would want me to do it for you so what is the difference just because of their age?

There is no difference because the same feelings about being constantly structured to your wants instead of their needs and wants will cause the same mental frustration in you the adult as it does in them the child.

Keep the comunication open else when something is so important you really should know what is happening, no comunication now means none then.

1/2 hour at age 2 could prevent something bad at age 14 onward when peer pressures is the only non-structured received.

LISTEN, HEAR, make it so that you and your child UNDERSTAND!