# Handling Defiance: Tactics for Strong-Willed 3-Year-Olds

An episode of [BratBusters Parenting Podcast](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1770136136), 12 Mar 2026, 25 min.

Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404296/episodes/18763689-handling-defiance-tactics-for-strong-willed-3-year-olds.mp3

#150 In this episode, Lisa discusses tactics for strong-willed 3-year-olds. She covers why she believes their behaviour may change at this age, reframing how you view defiance, setting yourself up as a calm leader during the toddler years, whether or not parenting impacts defiance, and why the BratBusters Bootcamp (3-12) starts at three. Lastly, in this episode, Lisa addresses four listener questions, discussing how to stop the cycle of arguing with your 3-year-old, the best way to approach parenting a strong-willed 3-year-old, how to go about teaching manners to a 3-year-old, and how to manage tantrums at bedtime from a 3-year-old. Thank you for joining us! Courses: Toddler BratBusters Bootcamp (16-35 Months) BratBusters Bootcamp (Ages 3-12) Learn More: BratBusters Behaviour Board (Plus Toddler Basics) No-Cost Mini Course Private Coaching Podcast Questions: Have a question you'd like to submit for a chance to be featured in an upcoming podcast episode? Click Here to Submit 🎙️ Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Lisa Bunnage is a Parenting Coach, mom and grandmother. Lisa is not a licensed psychologist or counsellor. Her services do not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. For a full disclaimer, please visit bratbusters.com/disclaimer

## Chapters

- 0:00 Introduction to Defiance From 3-Year-Olds
- 1:37 Has Your Child’s Behaviour Changed Since They Turned Three?
- 2:16 Reframing How You View Defiance
- 2:50 Setting Yourself Up as a Calm Leader During the Toddler Years
- 4:51 Does Parenting Impact Defiance From Children?
- 9:07 Why Does the BratBusters Bootcamp (3-12) Start at Three?
- 11:21 Listener Question 1: Arguing With Your 3-Year-Old?
- 13:48 Listener Question 2: How to Approach Parenting a Strong-Willed 3-Year-Old?
- 18:56 Listener Question 3: Teaching Manners to 3-Year-Old?
- 20:33 Listener Question 4: Tantrums at Bedtime From 3-Year-Old?
- 22:03 Final Thoughts on the Fork in the Road at Three

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