Your child is starting to identify herself as an individual who has her own body, thoughts, and feelings separate from those of others.
In your child’s search for self-identity, she is eager to use her mind, have her say, and make decisions. Saying “I don’t want to” or “Not those shoes. I want pink shoes, pink!” is normal behavior for two year olds. When you say, “Yes,” they say, “No.”
She wants to choose what she wears, so let her! Lay out three outfits and let her pick one from those choices. Then say, “You can choose from these or I can choose for you.” This gives your child a sense of control over her own destiny. It can be tough to get a particularly stubborn child on board, but decisions need to be made, so why not enlist her help?
It really speaks to your child’s self-esteem that she is developing into an individual who is separate from you. Your two year old is experiencing a very important stage in her development. In order for your two year old to become a healthy, thriving adult, she must separate from you, and now is the time she will start doing this. Don’t panic. She’s not going far!
