DS does this - it's a nervous reaction for him (but also with some mischief nature) - I just wait and say "i'm serious, it's not funny" and waiting til he calms down some and then talking to him after and doing the repremand and consequences AFTER he is calmer. DH said he did this as a child - and his mom did beat him for it - which only results in HATING your mom and therapy. Per talking to a therapist about it, lots of kids, and some adults! do this - b/c it's an uncomfortable feeling and also can't calm down...

OP here. DD has been strong willed since day one, which is not a bad thing and can help her later in life, but I'm big on teaching respect for others-- starting with her parents! Especially for strong willed kids. I don't want her sassing off to other adults or bossing around her peers. So this laughing thing really bothers me. It seems so disrespectful.

It could be that she doesn't know how to react to being reprimanded strongly and she gets nervous so she laughs. But I don't think that's it. I think she does like getting a rise out of me. I know she's only 3 but I'd like to ameliorate this now before she's 13. I have to work harder on remaining calm.

You need to get really, really quiet, down on her level, close to her face, and talk extremely calmly with a look that is very serious. That is far more serious to some kids than yelling, lecturing, getting mad. It is the best way to discipline for most kids.

Sounds like my 8 yo, who except for the F'n Fours has been a model child. It's driving me bananas.

My son did that when he was younger too. He's three now and doesn't do it anymore, so maybe it's just a phase. But a tip I got here is to really tone down the reprimands. Big reactions made ds laugh, for whatever reason. Getting down on his level (literally ) and talking calmly works much better for us.

Mine laughs sometimes, but you can actually see him trying not to.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's nerves.

Try some positive discipline instead. Losing your temper with a kid like that is not going to get you the respect you need.

I know some people laugh when they are nervous, but would a 3 yr old do this when being reprimanded? I don't know. Never heard a 3 yr old doing this. I think it's more like the 3 yr old doesn't feel badly for the act or fear getting into trouble.

Why not? The kid is embarrassed & one way to deal with that is to laugh. It's very common, no matter age.

Oh Hahahaha sorry, but I do NOT miss my 3 year old. Phew that was rough, but she's lovely as a 4 year old. And she can express "my tummy was making me smile" I take that to mean her nerves. I feel really bad about the yelling. Kazdin worked for us btw.

She does it bc she knows you hate it.

My 22 month old does this occasionally. I keep my stern face to let him know I am not kidding and do not react to the laughing. Granted, he is much younger (and it all changes with the 2s and 3s) but this has been working with him so far.

Anonymous wrote:It's nerves.

Try some positive discipline instead. Losing your temper with a kid like that is not going to get you the respect you need.

I know some people laugh when they are nervous, but would a 3 yr old do this when being reprimanded? I don't know. Never heard a 3 yr old doing this. I think it's more like the 3 yr old doesn't feel badly for the act or fear getting into trouble.

Look, I know the laughing is aggravating but you have to ignore it. I'm wondering if your kid laughs because she knows it bothers you. Don't let her see that it bothers you. Keep an even keel and do what you have to do.

It's nerves.

Try some positive discipline instead. Losing your temper with a kid like that is not going to get you the respect you need.

Handful

When I was a kid, I would cry if my parents yelled at me or were stern with me. My 3 year old laughs when I am stern with her. It annoys me to no end. I am not proud to admit it but it just makes me lose my temper and yell, even grab her hard. And she laughs through the whole thing. She only shows remorse when I take things away or threaten to take them away. Is laughing in your parent's face when they're sternly reprimanding you normal for 3 years old or do I just have a handful of a kid?