Scolding, Discipline, and Anger Management

For those "seasoned" parents, I'm sure it comes as no surprise that first-timers seem to think their child misbehaves in a severe and abnormal way. "What am I doing wrong", they may ask. "My kid is SO obstinate!", they add. Well, as you may already know, Connor is as cantankerous as anyone. When we tell him he needs his diaper changed, or that we need to put on his clothes, or eat his dinner, he will either ignore us or downright say "NO!" (remind you of anyone you know? Hmmmm?) Frequently, the threat of sending him to "time out" doesn't work. He will just repeat what either of us say, as if to mock us and pretend he is the parent and we are his children. So, lately, we simply ask him if he wants mommy and daddy to ("do something, whatever") without him. Since he (still) likes our company so much, that's been an easy sell. He changes his tune quickly. But as he grows up, and doesn't want us around all the time, I'm sure that won't be as effective. Ah, the joys of parenthood.