I don't love you :(

[Emsmomma]

3 year old has just starting saying this. Broke my heart at first but I've realised she obviously doesn't mean it. I've tried the 'well I love you', ignoring it, telling her off and it seemed to stop. It's come back with a vengeance this week and I know she's doing it for a reaction this time. Has anyone dealt with this and how? I feel like the no reaction is giving her a reaction because she repeats it until I say something and smirks.

Feel like I just need to ride it out. She doesn't know what she's saying but does know that what she is saying isn't nice. Any tips would be hugely appreciated but I know she's just a kid

[rainingcatsanddog]

My dd did this at a similar age because she felt that we didn't love her when we were angry with her. Just keep on saying "I'm angry with you but I love you" so she realises that you can feel both emotions at once. She's saying this to hurt you and test you.