Is it normal for most requests to be met with "No"? 3.5Yo

[dizzy1982]

Is it normal for most requests to be met with a "No" or a "I don't want to"? Most of the time I can get him to comply but it is an uphill battle. For example "time for dinner" "let's go to the toilet" "let's brush teeth" are always a no. He obliges with things he wants to do and is usually fine to go out (except preschool).
He's 3.5yo.
Is this just par for the course for the age or do I need to worry?

Unfortunately I think it is par for the course! But it is a phase usually, and I would add that their "no" shouldn't be the end of the matter...tooth brushing, wearing a coat when it's cold, sitting at table for dinner when asked...all things we need to teach them to comply with even if they don't feel like it (in my opinion). Be consistent and the battles will become less intense once the child realises you really mean what you say every time.

Why would you worry?

Totally normal and evidence of understanding they are separate and can have control of the world around them.

Learn to phrase things so that they are not a request, tricky at first but soon becomes second nature.

Normal at this age
But make it about choices if you can

Instead of let’s get dressed - “time to get dressed now, do you want to wear the blue or green jumper”
Dinner time - “time for dinner now, do you want water or juice” or “shall we use the blue plates or the grey plates”
Time to clean teeth - “shall I put the toothpaste on or do you want to try”
Etc

Limits the opportunity to just say no. They feel like they have some say and you get what you want.

I have a young family and use the bath most nights (only for them). It wouldn’t put me off if I liked the house, I’d just factor in installing a bath. It’s not like having to install a downstairs toilet or anything. It’s not often you like everything about a new house.

Yes, totally normal, he is figuring out his place in the world. Calmly keep telling him he is brushing his teeth, putting his coat on etc.