Anonymous wrote:Just a phase. My son went through it, too. Could be nerves. Could be laughing at your reactions... Whatever it is, you have to be the one to play it calm and cool. Don't acknowledge the laughter -- and try to practice positive discipline.

(Btw, am I the only one here that still occasionally laughs inappropriately when nervous or when someone's switch gets flipped?! Happened to me a ton as a kid, too...I was shy and could never hold back giggles when in trouble or nervous; don't know why.)

My almost 4yo does this. As well as trying hard to distract me or change the subject when I am being serious with him. I was the same way (and still am) with my parents.

OP here. I think she does enjoy the control. That would fit with her personality. Don't get me wrong, I love her to no end and she has many amazing qualities. Sometimes I'm downright impressed at how insightful and articulate she can be for a 3 year old. But yes, she is very strong willed and knowing that she gets a rise out of me by laughing when I am trying to discipline her is probably the best explanation. And the many PP's who said remain calm during discipline are right. I really have to try harder.

This is my first but not only DC. Other DC is much more gentle spirited so far!

Is this your first DC?

Preschool teacher here. You may have a handful on your hands, but that's not related to whether this behavior is normal. It 100% is. I've seen it many, many times in many different children. Some of them with huge behavior problems and some of them who were otherwise little angels. There are lots of possible reasons why she's doing it, and I think the most likely one is that for some reasons she is reinforced by your reaction. She enjoys the control, perhaps? In any case, I think the working on remaining calm is the best idea. It's hard, but you can do it.

Just a phase. My son went through it, too. Could be nerves. Could be laughing at your reactions... Whatever it is, you have to be the one to play it calm and cool. Don't acknowledge the laughter -- and try to practice positive discipline.

(Btw, am I the only one here that still occasionally laughs inappropriately when nervous or when someone's switch gets flipped?! Happened to me a ton as a kid, too...I was shy and could never hold back giggles when in trouble or nervous; don't know why.)

I have the same problem, OP! My 3 yr old often laughs when he's reprimanded, and it's often hard to maintain leverage over him. Speaking calmly doesn't work. Yelling escalates the situation. Positive incentives/doing or not doing fun things we had planned gets his attention more often. Ignoring it works on occasion, but I feel like it sends the wrong message. I figure/hope he catches on soon. This mischievous behavior tends to come in waves and will hopefully abate soon.

Anonymous wrote: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.

I don't have any advice OP but thank you for looking to get a handle on this. I'm sure her future teachers and classmates will thank you too!