4year old refuses to go on the stairs

[SwimmingPool]

My 4 year old Ds refused to go on the stairs for the first time today. He is a tall boy and very strong and I couldn't make him do it. He normally goes with much gnashing and whaling (sp?), but does go.
He has this week become stroppy (huge understatement) and hit me three times today, which is all totally out of character. Nothing has happened / changed recently in his life to explain this.

But what I would like to know is what do i do next time he refuses to go on the stairs? Confiscating toys wouldn't make a difference to him, he really wouldn't bother.

I am completely flummoxed. Off to get wine and come up with a plan.....................

you put them on the stairs and put them back and back and back and back for an many times as necessary until they realise that you are in control and they will stay there.

You are the adult and you have to win.

even if it takes 100+ times or all afternoon. You dont give up and they will soon give in.

I agree completely, but he is strong enough to not go there - he fought me and won't go there - I can't physcially put him on there. That makes me sound small, but I am 6 foot tall and not exactly a skinny minny!
One of my friends said you go off and leave them there (wherever that is) for the 4 minutes.
Last night we had the same thing and I managed to half drag him there, and he didn't stay on the stairs but he did stay in the hall, so that was better.
Any other ideas would be most welcome......
Thanks.

If my son misbehaves he either has 2 minutes on the stairs or 4 minutes in the bathroom with me holding the door shut. He has learnt that it is simpler to just take the punishment.

He is five years old