Yes, no, yes, no... she's doing my head in!

[Shades]

I'd be inclined to think that it was just the excitement of learning that she can influence someone else's actions just by saying something... It'd be like a new toy all on its own!

[Spring Angel]

It sounds like a power struggle to me and the usual toddler testing the boundaries behaviour.

We have a very strict rule around here, Mummy and Daddy do not listen to whinging. If DS asks for something in a demanding or whinging manner (eg repeating the same thing over and over) I insist that he stop, ask politely and wait for Mummy to respond. I am very strict with this, I can't stand whinging and it didn't take long for him to start understanding. I make sure I give him heaps of positive praise when he uses his manners and ignore him if he is whinging. If it is getting out if control, I tell him he can sit in his room until he can use his manners (no more than 2 mins) and it always works.

I think what your DD is doing normal toddler behaviour and I know how frustrating it is.

HTH
Spring

[M22]

mel,

my boy is the same - thinkit's just part of the development- so annoying isnt it? no advice though if i find somthing that works i will let you know!!

anyways congrat son your preggy n too

[KatieRabbit]

My DD does the exact same thing but only when she is tired. It is really quite annoying because nothing is the right thing- even the one she wants. It drives me insane but I have noticed it is definitely a tiredness thing.

[black_rose]

DD1 does this too, she is teething, her 6yo molars of all things so it makes her tired and hungry as eating is painfull. When she gets extra hungry or tired she gets like this, she can't make up her mind she keeps changing it.

I will offer her milk/juice and if she changes her mind it goes on her table for her to have when she is ready. I am 21 weeks pregnant so I know what you mean about getting up and down all the time, I ask DD to bring what she wants help with to me if she can.

While I have been reading and posting this DD started off like your DD, wanted something to eat but when I offered her yoghurt and juice she didn't want it. I ate with her and we cleaned up her toys and found one she really wanted to play with adn she is happily playing again.

I think a lot of it can be wanting attention, DD understands about being pregnant and having a baby so its like she wants all my attention as much as possible. We try and use rewards to encourage her to do the right thing, eg going to see nanna or swimming.