Stubborn/headstrong 22 month old

[dixieland1]

Hi all,

I’m a little concerned about my 22 month old’s development, but can’t work out if it’s because he is actually behind on his milestones or if he’s just headstrong/stubborn.

For example I know he can stack blocks on top of one another but he will only do it if he wants to do it. Same goes for asking him to point to a body part etc, or doing actions to nursery rhymes. These are just random examples but there’s lots of things that I know he can do but he’s so bloody minded that he refuses to do it ‘on cue’. Is this normal toddler behaviour?

My eldest was the complete opposite and loved to show me how clever she was and would do anything you asked her! He just looks at me with disdain and goes off to do whatever he wants to do 😂

He is behind with his speech but again I think he knows words but only uses them when he really wants to. Maybe I’m overthinking it as he has great understanding on most things and knows what I’m saying to him, he’s just so stubborn!

Why do you want him to perform? He sounds fine to me. Kids talk at their own pace. I assume he's communicating eg. Pointing, pulling your hand etc.

It’s not a case of wanting him to perform, more wanting to check that he can do the things he developmentally should be able to. I do realise I need to chill out a bit over it.

He’s also the same with food. Refuses point blank to eat or even try food that he doesn’t know he likes. Loves breakfast and then refuses to eat other meals, preferring to graze instead.