Why is my toddler being so defiant all of a sudden?

Foget the wordy and repetitive explanations. Say, “No,” pleasantly and then remove him physically from the scene or remove the offending object (such as cell phone) from his hands.

Lecturing is a waste of energy when directed at a two-year old.

He is certainly too young to be punished.

Hide the cell phone; give him a plastic replica that he can chew on and bang on hard surfaces with.Remove all temptations. Baby proof all areas where he hangs around.

Relocate and distract only.

My co-worker is a mother and gma, and said it’s past time for (hand) spanking- lol.

I would have to vehemently vote against any form of physical punishment, ever.

@gailcalled: Thanks for speaking up. I still flinch when people suddenly raise their arms around me.

It’s just the beginning of the very healthy process of separation and individuate on that goes on in different ways all through childhood and adolescence. @gailcalled‘s suggestions make the most sense.

Buy a book today. 1–2-3 Magic. It will change your life.

Edit: Individuation

@gailcalled Redirection does seem to work well. I think whether it be positive or negative, he just wants some kind of attention when he rebels like this. I don’t think he is purposely trying to make me upset or make me want to pull my hair out. He might just be bored at the moment and does the first thing that he knows will grab my attention.
@KNOWITALL He is already in the habit of hitting me sometimes so I would have to assume that slapping him when he’s bad will just lead him to believe that hitting is acceptable. Trying to resolve violence with violence isn’t going to work. I don’t want him to fear me. I want him to respect me.

@ItalianPrincess1217 Your instincts are just right.

My niece got an adolescent cat for her three boys, aged 9, 7, and 3. She (cat and not niece) helped calm things down a lot. (Not that I am suggesting it. (But it is a thought.)

Puppies are great too but require a lot more maintenance, and your little man is too young to walk him, I guess.

You need a lot of patience. From what you described, you are doing the right thing. Be consistent. A time out is designed to remove the child from the situation, not only as punishment.

With my younger grandsons, time out means going under the table where they can’t get in trouble. I used to keep a couple of toys and a book under there, but now, ages 4 and 6, they take their toy hand held computer.

It’s a normal stage. They don’t call it the, “terrible two’s” for no reason. By now they have gained a great sense of independence. They are in the, “manipulation” stage to see even more now what they can get away with. Patience, this too shall pass. :D

Instead of giving him things to say yes or no to give him options. Like do you want to wear the red shirt or the blue one?

This is completely natural and expected. If he were not doing this type of thing, I would be worried.

He is asserting his own identity and independence. This is part of growing up. This is becoming a child – the next step in his evolution.

Set rules and use discipline, but don’t go overboard. it will pass.

I second the recommendation for 1–2-3 Magic.

No great words of wisdom but I can’t believe he’s 22 months already! Time flys!!

I agree with those who say that asserting himself is normal. And I applaud you saying you want him to respect you, not fear you. Spanking is out—and useless anyway—as you know, it just teaches hitting.
He is testing you, testing your mettle, making sure that you are stronger than he is, that you will always be there to help control his impulses. So, that’s the job: being stronger than he is. You need to be very clear and consistent with him and let him know that what he is doing is not funny in any way. With firmness, kindness, and strength, you need to remove him from whatever he is doing you don’t like and redirect him to something else. He might not seem to like it, but it is what he is depending on, and what he needs.
Two minutes for a toddler is a long time in time out, and it sounds like it isn’t working, so I would just drop that for now. Work on being very clear with him about what you don’t want him to do, and when he does it, say clearly to him that you told him that wasn’t ok, and now it is being taken away. Remember that children really want to please you, so that is the predominant thing going on, even as he tests you to make sure you are stronger than his own sense of his growing strength.
Hope this helps.

To me it looks like he is trying to get all of your attention.
Maybe give him chores ( small) to help you around the house.
I purchased a childs broom,pail and dustpan to involve my toddler (years ago) in
assisting and keeping her occupied while I did chores around the house too.
I also put happy music on while doing the chores too.
It put an upbeat mood in the house, and all three of my children loved the atmosphere then.

@Judi I know! :( You don’t have to remind me!