My 2 1/2 Year Old Daughter Is a Broken Record!

My son doesn't ask over and over again (he's 2), but he will have a screaming fit sometimes if he's in a mood and we don't give him what he wants. I will first send him to timeout and if he won't stop or it escalates (which it sometimes does since he is doing it for attention and he isn't getting any attention in timeout), then I send him to his room. I just put him in his crib with some toys and/or books and tell him when he stops the screaming, he can come out. Then, I leave and close the door. When I go back to get him, he almost always stops the behavior. I would warn her that you heard her and that you will either get it in a minute or if you have told her no, explain that she will not get it no matter how many times she asks. Then, tell her if she keeps asking, you will put her in timeout or send her to her room (however you decide to handle it). I feel like my sanity is saved by putting him in his room where I don't have to listen to it. He can scream if he wants to, but I don't have to be party to it. That is my only suggestion. I know how frustrating it is, but I really think the only way is to give a consequence and then follow through. This should teach your little one some patience and that no means no. Good luck!

I agree that there is a possibility that this is a sign that she's having some frustration with her (lack of) communication skills... My son does this to some degree with sign language... we did some baby signs early on, but unfortunately, the only ones we taught him dealt with food and drink... now he uses those signs ANY time he needs anything. I think the only way to 'fix' this is to stick to your guns and to also spend some more time talking with your child... I've had some luck distracting my 18 month old with other familiar words like 'book' or 'toy' or (his FAVORITE) 'ball'... Redirection really helps in our house... good luck!
-H

I so hear you! This is what I did the other night that worked with my daughter. I was making dinner, and she kept saying "eat now, no wait for daddy." I kept telling her, "We aren't waiting, I'm making dinner now."

After who only knows how long, I turned to her and said loudly, "Can't you see? I am cooking dinner. We aren't waiting. I am moving as fast as I can. Please stop repeating yourself it isn't going to put the food faster. In fact, it slows me down! Now, please, please, please, be quiet." She then left me alone.

I think acknowledging what they want, giving it to them, or firmly just saying "my answer is NO, end of story" works. When I say "my answer is No, end of story," my daughter usually stops asking cause she knows I am serious.

"I said no, if you ask again you will go to your room or timeout"

You've already answered your own question. Anytime you say no, mean no. If it is something that you aren't sure whether or not no is the answer, tell her you will think about it, but if she asks again, the answer will be no. By her continuing to ask and you giving in, she has learned that if she just keeps asking, she will get her way. If you say no, then mean it. Don't say no if you aren't sure the answer is no; choose your battles, so to speak. If she wants milk, then I would tell her yes; but if it's candy or something unhealthy, then no may have to be the answer and she will have to accept it. It will take time to re-train her. Children learn early on that certain actions have consequences. She has learned that if she just keeps asking you, you will give in to her. It will take time, but stand by what you say and she will be re-programmed to learn that no means no.