: 2-year old started resisting going anywhere Months ago, my now-2-year-old boy would happily come and let us put his shoes and jacket on and walk out of the door with us. Now, when we tell him it's time to get ready or time

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To solve the problem of him getting into the car, we and a few others recommend using choices phrased like:

"Do you want to get yourself into the car or do you want me to put you in the car?"

Either way, he gets in the car, and usually a bit calmer as he's "made a choice".

Longer term, reward charts will help. Getting a sticker every day on the chart that he gets into the car well is a good way of reinforcing good behaviour.

But ultimately, he's two. Two year olds will push boundaries. They just need to understand that sometimes that's going to hurt them or deprive them of something they would like. "Get in the car or you'll have less time with your friend/grandmother/giraffe" or wherever you're going. "Get in the car otherwise I won't have time to buy pudding for tonight's tea".

They do pick up on parent's frustration well as well. If they work out that if they do X you react with Y they'll do it. So even if he's really hanging back and mucking around, pick him up and put him in the car as if nothing's happened and talk about something else. Don't make it a big deal with your emotions as well as (as you're doing) not making it a big deal with your physical actions.

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My first thought is Welcome to Two Year Olds. This 2 shall pass.

It sounds like you're doing the right things; 1) Be patient, 2) Don't yell, it will only make it worse, 3) When necessary, pick your child up and carry kicking and screaming. I'll go into a little more detail.

Be patient. Its hard as it is for a busy parent to stand and watch the grass grow while your child decides if he's going to put up a fight. Give him a minute to think about it. A two-year-old boy probably isn't developed enough for a reward system, but you're welcome to try a simple bribe if you're into that type of thing. Keep saying "Please" as you try to reason with him.
Don't yell, it will only make things worse. So let's take a distraught, frustrated two-year-old and yell at him. What do we think's going to happen? Not only will you have a massive tantrum on your hands, but you also guaranteed the next few efforts to leave the house aee going to be equally unpleasant
Grab and go. I used this method both in the midst of a tantrum (and a dude has to be careful where he's about to get kicked) and when in a real hurry or frustrated. I found it much easier not to force shoes and coat in the house but to carry them as well and wait until in the car.

Good luck!

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Has he recently started daycare, been to the dentist or doctor, or perhaps had to wait for a long time while confined in his car seat? Is there a change at home? I ask because changes could have something to do with him balking. It is hard for 2y/olds to express their worries.

My pups do that if the last trip was to the vet for shots, they balk. We just make a happy fuss, "Oh Boy! Car! Yes!" (Yes, we do look foolish.) The dogs then get into the spirit of going on an adventure. I am not saying a 2y/old is like a dog, but the inability to express concern results in the same response.

Also at two, it is time for a child to test the waters. He wants to control the things he can control. It is completely normal. Have you tried giving him choices? You select two things that are acceptable and then let him make the choice. Red shirt or green? Waffles or pancakes? Superhero or stuffed toy in the car?

I highly recommend reading Barbara Coloroso kids are Worth it and Just Because It Isn't Wrong Doesn't Make It Right: Teaching Kids To Think And Act Ethically are terrific.