It’s something I asked myself today as I tried to win a battle with a 3-year-old.
It started just as I was finishing up getting ready for work. I don’t know what caused it – she wasn’t in trouble or even about to get in trouble – I was just telling her it was almost time to go. That began an INSANE amount of “I wanna listens.”
I decided I would try to ignore her. Before I started this challenge I told her, “Mommy isn’t going to talk to you until you stop saying that. OK? As soon as you’re finished we’ll talk.”
It’s like I didn’t even say it. I even ran the vacuum and she kept repeating it! I also tried humming some happy-sounding tune that I made up – but she didn’t miss a beat with her whine. In fact, she did not stop until I had both her and her brother buckled in the car seats and I was backing down the driveway! And, the only reason she stopped is because she tricked me! She had been silent for not even two seconds when she said, “Momma?” Relieved to hear something other than those 3 horrible words, I braked, turned and looked at her and replied, “Yes?”
“I wanna listen.”
After that I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and explained again that I would only talk to her when she was finished. Finally, she stopped and I told her I wasn’t mad at her – I just thought it was silly to say it over and over again and that she just needed to listen – not say it.
So, did I do the right thing? Did I cause security issues because I ignored her? Is there a better way? I just don’t want to do this whole parenting thing wrong. It felt so awful to ignore her cries – I only hope it helps stop or at least reduces the ridiculousness.
I guess I’ll find out tomorrow!
Are You Zhazha? 
What does "I Wanna Listen" mean? Obviously, she doesn't want to listen. It's driving me crazy.
Since I've been a parent for all of 9 weeks, I feel I have the
expertise to comment – yeah, right. I think you probably did the right
thing, because it's not like you were ignoring her requests for food or
a hug and a kiss or anything. And you explained to her why you weren't
talking to her. I've always thought you are a wonderfully natural
mother, so I say trust your instincts.
When faced with a similar situation.. I simply put some Billy Ray Cyrus on the CD player and left the house. When I got back they were screaming "I no wanna listen". Hope this helps.