Son Repeats

Based on my experience, this sounds pretty normal for the age. He's getting comfortable hearing himself speak, practicing new vocabulary, and testing reactions and limits. And I'll bet at least once you've laughed or fawned in some way when he first started doing it, because it really was cute then (maybe now not so much!), so he may think of it as an attention grabber.

Although its clearly annoying at times, and you don't want to encourage back talk, it will probably pass. The approach I used (and sometimes still need to--my little guy is 6 now!) was to more or less ignore his back talk focusing on the behavior I was trying to correct, giving him up to three chances to decide to listen to my instruction, depending on the severity of the matter. After that there are escalating consequences, and I always tell him in advance what the consequence will be and that he can make the choice to do as I ask or face the consequence.

Regarding hyperness, remember that at this age they are more in control of their physical being than they have ever been, which is fun and exciting and can give them confidence, yet they still don't have impulse control.

Hang in there! The days, months, years fly by so quickly! Indeed this too shall pass.

It sounds like he may have some possible speech and language delays going on. It's possible that he doesn't understand what you are talking about. It may seem natural to us to say "stop that" but he may be taking you literally and doesn't know what "that" is. It's best to be very specific and say "stop jumping on the bed." That way he knows what you are talking about.

You may also want to talk with your pediatrician just to be on the safe side. I'm not saying this to scare you or diagnose or anything like that... but "parroting" and other speech delays can be a sign of mild Autism Spectrum Disorders. My son did similar things, and I brushed off those who recommended talking to his doctor and getting him evaluated through Early Intervention, but I shouldn't have. It turns out he has Asperger's and a big speech/language delay. Now he's getting the help he needs, but he could have started getting therapies a long time ago if I had just gotten the eval done to be safe.

Best of luck!

Hi D.
Sounds like you are having a great time watching him grow up, and it does get more fun as they grow. It would be easy to say ignore it to this one, but you sound like you hear back talk.
My advise is to put a game plan together. Do you like to play games?
Make up the rules.

As far as him repeating what you said, my immediate reaction would be to say back again "That's right I said________"
Example-- if you have to say "Troy stop jumping on the bed" and he repeats "Mommy stop jumping on the bed", then repeat back that is right I said "don't jump on the bed". By being specific you can see that it is really not a problem. I had a preschooler who did that once and I heard, "teacher said stop_______" Mom came in and asked about it, just as you have. I thought for a long time, but if you hear, "Mommy said" instead of just Mommy as a direct address you will have a better response. Also always try to use "lets get down and color" instead of "stop" That way you won't hear it as backtalk, therefore you won't react negatively, but reinforcing his language skills.
The laughter you mention my just be you have a funny look on your face. You probably do.
Since I am old enough to be your mom, I try to always say"talk to mom about it" She probably has some great ideas, and even if she doesn't she will be glad you talked to her.
Hope this helps. Always love to hear from people I respond to
God bless you
K. SAHM 4kids--married 38 years and younger son and wife made us grandparents yesterday.

Ignore it! He's testing you to see if he can get a reaction from you. Once you stop reacting to it he will stop. Game over! Mom wins!

You should play the "copy game" with him. My daughter and I have played since she is 3 - she is 4 now - and she only does it when we play the game. I let her repeat everything I'm saying and sometimes I'll say made up words or silly things to get her to laugh. When the game is over - the copying is done. If she copies again - there is a time out or no cookie after lunch. You will find it less frustrating - he will eventually ask if you will play the copy game with him and not copy you anymore - at least that is how it worked for me. Good Luck!!!!!

Hi D.,
I would ignore what he's saying and focus on what he's doing. If you give him a direction, does he follow through? If so, ignore his parroting back and give him recognition for following directions. If he's not following the direction you give, then punish for that, not for the parroting, but definitely have a consequence for not listening.

He is testing you. I would say to just ignore it. Once he realizes that he does not get a reaction from you (and it will take some time), he will just stop on his own. If that doesn't work, then change it up a little. Say, Troy, that is not acceptable. Chances are he might repeat this too. Oh and he is good. Just learning to be his own person and testing limits. My little guy tests me every minute of the day!!!!!!!