Namasha isn’t thrilled with the way she’s handling her 2.5-year-old daughter's small acts of defiance. Timeouts don’t work, and while negotiating sometimes does, it’s not what Namasha wants to continue to do. If you’re finding yourself telling your child that if they eat three more bites of broccoli, they’ll get a sweet treat, then this episode is for you.

Today, Namasha and I talk about what’s behind her daughter’s sudden rebellion. I point out that her daughter has just discovered that she has control in a few areas of her life--namely: food, potty training, and naps--and that it’s an exciting discovery. I note that when you let your child feel like she has control in some areas, she’ll stop trying so hard to gain it in other places. We talk about how Namasha can replace negotiations with consistent, non-judgmental consequences to actions, whether positive or negative. I share tips for keeping your patience when your young child is struggling to communicate, and I point out the power of hugs.