The word "No"...

[bugsmom]

I'm really stuggling with Josh in this department lately. Every time I say "No" to something, he just will not accept it. He's always struggled off and on with this, but lately he just won't stop. He's driving me mad. Could this just be a rebelling teen thing? I just don't get it. He will go on and on, asking again and again, and even though he gets the same answer, he won't give up.

I have a feeling that he's just wanting to gain a little control for himself. We've had a lot of changes in our house lately and he has never been one for change. He's not being nasty, just relentless. I try to offer different choices, but if its not what he's looking for, forget it.

Do you guys deal with this? Any suggestions?

[misty]

We deal with this with Shannon, but in her case I think it stemmed from Bill always giving in. He can't stand to see her cry. I think she thinks if she just keeps pestering we'll get sick of it & give in. I call it a dog with a bone syndrome. Once she sinks her teeth into an idea, "no" is not an option in her mind. I just started ignoring all pleas after the initial no & a quick explanation, even if she gets in my face pleading loudly & crying. It seems to have gotten a little better once she realized we just aren't reacting at all. Arguing with her always made it worse.

[charliegirl]

We've always had that problem. I do the same as Misty. I say no, give an explanation, say no again and then refuse to react. If he keeps it up he loses other privileges. That doesn't happen often now.

[sapphyre]

Any oppositional / defiant behaviour when these guys were younger? (They sound like my DD, who doesn't appear to have ADHD, but I think she has ODD. I've taken her off all artificial colours/flavours and preservatives, it seems to be helping.)