Help a tired mum

[Neednewfloor]

My Ds is 4,

He can be lovely but just lately he's not listening, when I ask him to do something says no, or messes around for ages.

What techniques do you use to get them to listen (first time).
Thanks

Have you tried things like taking really quietly so that he has to concentrate?

Take him to church and let him interact with others. It is not good to keep him cooped up. Take him to church and I promise he will be down by 5:30pm (my son's bedtime)!!!!!!!

I have a 2yo, so maybe a bit different but I find tone makes a massive difference and not looking back. That is, I say things as though I have no doubt that they will be done. My OH is much softer, and frequently gets ignored by toddler for example at bed time.

If he ever doesn't listen, I get down to his level and hold his arms still (gently), whilst I explain why he has to do the thing. Then I ask "If I let go, are you going to XXX?" Maybe too young for a 4yo old, I wouldn't know.

My DD is 4 and I have the same problem! Having a race works quite well so: I wonder who can get their shoes on first, Mummy or xxx. You could try a bit of empathy and humour too: I can see XXX is lots of fun and I'm sorry I have to ask you to stop but we have to do x because of y, would you like to x like a dog or a frog. And then run around barking or hopping or whatever they choose.

Humour seems to be the key with my DD and not getting stressed or visibly annoyed, it's tough though.