How would you handle a child that keeps disputing everything you say?

Question

For instance, if you say, 'i had ice cream' and the disrespectful child says, "no you didn't" ... and carries on like that with everything you say.

Answer 1

"Nice try."
Or totally ignore it. Don't let him suck you in to a pointless disagreement.

Answer 2

Stop arguing. It's what they want you to do. If they get no reaction from you, they will eventually stop. You know what you are saying is fact, they know it and so do most of the people around you, but having an argument with a child makes you look like more of a child than the kid. Just say I had ice cream, or whatever, and when the kid says no you didn't say OK and drop it.

Answer 3

Play dumb, for instance, basically using reversed psychology.

"I had an icecream today" "no you didn't" "well you're probably
right" '' no I'm not'' "well I'm sorry about that", and sound
genuine when you do this.
It will work eventually, and the child will give up trying to control
you, because thats whats happening here..
When you simply agree with him then he has nothing to argue
with or about, and he'll get too confused to keep it up.
IT WILL WORK..
The last thing you want to do is 'get angry' thats another way he
is in control, and certainly 'don't yell', he's in control when you do.
This is all a control issue, and I'm surprised you allowed it to go this far.
You are the parent now take CONTROL of the situation.

Answer 4

This kid is looking for attention. In a way I don't find this to be a problem. They are trying to interact, and being confrontational is not all that bad (maybe they are a budding lawyer).

But if they disputed something I told them to do or it was a blatant lie. For example "Did you make your bed?" and they lie. In otherwords if it is clearly disrespectful and that is the intent I would give them a spanking they could not dispute:)

Answer 5

Ignoring the child in this case and changing the subject. The child doesnt have any trust it seems and maybe someone doesnt appear to trust the child, teases or such. The child was apparently taught such a thing. Too bad. Gaining the child's trust over time will stop that.
Peace.

Answer 6

Tell them once that you don't like lying, and that what they are doing is lying. Then ignore the behavior. If they continue and get obnoxious, I'd bodily remove the child to its own room until I calmed down and they quit the backtalk. Hopefully its a younger kid and its just a phase. If its an older kid, then you need to try and figure out why they are behaving in that way.

Answer 7

i would explain to them that people who usually dispute everything that others say means they really like them. is that why the child disputes everything u say?? it will shut them up or say truthful things to them and challenge them........it seems like a battle of wills and u need a devestating blow sad to say. then again ignoreing them might work.........when the school year ends or they gain a few years in age.

Answer 8

how old is this child?

Dealing with a 9 year old is different from dealing with a 2 year old

Answer 9

A firm slap in the mouth should take care of that. That is what my mother would have done and would still do if I disputed everything she said.

Answer 10

I would just stop talking to the child they are obviously looking for attention. Don't give it to them.

Answer 11

He is pushing every button he can. My son does this as well and he's 6. Just ignore it , if he sees it bothers you he will only do it more.