I am having such a time with my 3 year old son. I feel like I have no control over him. I may as well be talking to myself as to tell him something. I tell him not to do something, he says OK, and does it 2 breaths later. He is just unruly at church, running all over the sanctuary (we have a wonderful praise and worship team and it just gets him fired up, lol). In stores, he takes off and leaves. Im just at wits end. Nothing seems to work. We do believe in spanking, but in his case, doesn't work. He'll do something, look at you and ask "You gonna spank me now??" Ive tried taking things, doesn't seem to mind. Staying in his room, doesn't care. It's not that he's being mean, hes just sooooo willful and defiant. But he's also such a sweet and loving child. He loves to give hugs and constantly tells you he loves you. A few weeks ago I had stitches removed and he asked to get on the docs table with me. I picked him up and he held my hand and rubbed my back until the doc was done. But I feel he has no respect for me as a parent. I realize he's 3, but my dd who's now 6 was nothing like this. Sure she tried me, but nothing like this. Help!!!!!! 
My feeling is, whatever works for your child, that's the best way to go! You are the mom, you know what's best, and it's nobody's else's business to tell you if it's right or wrong!! 
