I have this problem as well. but its normally because he wants to be able to get what ever he is asking for himself, so if he doesnt take it. I put it on the bench where he can reach it and say when you have calmed down its here. and walk away that way. He normally then looks at me as to say your not reacting to me. and then goes and gets the drink or fruit etc and is happy.

We have 2 who do this at the moment, an 18 month old and almost 3 year old.  I seem to remember my oldest 2 going through it as well, and I have no doubt my youngest will be the same.

It is perfectly normal for them to do this.  Sometimes they do it on purpose and sometimes they are a little confused.  Their brains are growing so quickly that sometimes the wires do get a little bit crossed.

Try not to make a big deal out of it, or you will make him think it is a good game to play.

Yes understand that issue only too well,LOL . I also went with the offer two choice, no takers then Mummy gets to eat both, a few times watching Mum devour the prize got the message across.

It is is perseverence at the end of the day, stick to your ploy and never give in, arrrrrrrrrgh.

Best wishes with whatever you try, we all empathise I am sure.

Luv Winnie.xxxx

My son is just the same, and its quite comfoting reading all these answers saying the same thing. Daniel will be three in January and he has been doing this for around 6 months I guess.  When it first started I was nearly pulling my hair out, but now I confirm with him a couple of times first before I open, peel, cut up or pour etc etc

I'm always telling people he's very 'disagreeable' - he seems to never want to do what we need to do, and wants to to it all his own way. But I think a lot of them are like that at this age. Just trying to see how far they can push you, where the limits are and all that. Meanwhile we all climb the walls!!

I'm lucky I guess, we have a big dog who is a great garbage disposal, and I have learnt not to worry about the wastage, if he'd eaten it it would be gone anyway :)

Hi!

I have the same problem with my daughter.  She started it when she was two.  She now turns four in march and it is still going!!!  I have found that if I ask her to get out what she wants then I pour it into a cup or onto a plate or something she is happier because she got to do something for herself.  If that doesn't work and she throughs a tantrum, I put it back and she gets nothing.  It might sound harsh but after 18 months of it I've had enough!

He does it because he IS two...LOL

But seriously, have you tried just offering 2 things and if he won't take either of those then tough luck....he woudl catch on very fast.

I think like others have stated, it jsut away to push buttons and kids at age 2 are very good at it. I hope the stage goes fast...

I am going through this with my daughter who will be 3 in February..
Your son is testing you.. Its quite annoying I know but I guess its a stage that they go through.

All I hope is that my daughter gets through it quick and your son too!!

Sounds like he is pushing your buttons to see what works and since this is working, he keeps doing it.  You need to take the power back in this situation and get him to start behaving in a more appropriate manner.  A week or so of persistance and consistency should be more than enough to break the habit at this age.

1. When he asks for something, make sure he always says PLEASE.

2. Confirm with him that if he asks for milk he wants milk, and that if you get it, that is ALL he is getting for now.

3. Sit him down at his normal spot to drink or eat whatever he has asked for and make him wait there while you get it.

4. If he refuses to take it or throws a tantrum, pop him in a corner and ignore him.  Offer what he originally asked for every few minutes and if he continues to refuse, stop offering and continue to ignore him. 

5.  If he carries on about wanting something again, go back to step 1.

Seems to me that it is high time your little man learned who is in charge and that crying doesn't get you what you want anymore, he isn't a baby, he can communicate, encourage him to do it and reward him every time he does it.

He could be testing how far you will go. From his prospective it could be fun to make mum run around the kitchen grabbing all sorts of foods by demand. Then it would be even funnier to tell her he doesn't want it anymore. Even more hilarious for him when he changes his mind and you still do it. Not so funny anymore when you take it back :-p

My 2 yr old does the same.  When I feel myself getting frustrated I walk away to breath then I come back, give him his dummy and we sit down on the lounge together until he calms down.  Usually then he will take what was offered to him.

I have a two year old and I know exactly what you are saying!  Because their language is not fully developed yet, "milk" could be the closest word to what they want! The temper tantrum is an expression of their frustration at not being able to communicate as well as they would like. Try involving him in the process of "milk"; getting out the cup; opening the fridge; lifting out the milk; taking off the lid etc. By this time you should know if it what he really wants so you don't waste your milk.  Try pointing out a few different options in the fridge, but if all else fails and you do have a tantrum on your hands, explain that Mummy doesn't understand what he wants and then walk away.  The last thing you want is that he learns that a temper tantrum will get you fussing over him.  Take him away from the kitchen, sit him with his toys, or tv to distract and walk away for 1 minute.  Come back, give a big cuddle and try again with the food/drink a little later.  I hope this helps....

Im not sure if this is the same or not, but my son (now 7 years) used to do the same thing at the same age.  His was more if I gave him a banana it had to be whole, not broken up, and it had to have the skin on it if it wasnt how he wanted it he would crap it.  Same with peanut butter sandwiches if he could see the "butter" (not the peanut butter) then he would get upset.   Im not really sure why or what it could be, he seems to have out grown it but still has his banana's whole!  Maybe your not using the right cup lol its a hard one..

Good luck.