What to do with a 3 year old tantrum over a simple job assignment?

I asked my 3 year old boy to pick up a pile of papers and put them back into a box (yesterday, I just cleaned up his room only to find it with papers all over the floor today). In response, he loudly cries (wails my name loudly and tearfully is more accurate); then when I come and assure him he can do it, he starts dry heaving. What to do?

Ignore him. If he refuses to do it, put him in time out or tell him he can't have (?) until he does it. At the age of 4 my son was hanging his own shirts and hanging them in his closet...he cleans his room and now actually thinks it's fun...I know this will be short lived, but just ignore it...he is just pushing your buttons to see if you will cave.

he sounds like a brat

IGNORE HIM!!!!! Walk away. He's doing it, because he has an audience... you. When he has calmed down try again, but don't let his tantrums bother you (or at least let him see that it bothers you). He will stop soon after, because there will be no reason for him to continue. Hope this helps!!!!

Ignore him while he has the tantrum. He's doing it for attention, which is what you're giving him. My son tried this for a few weeks. I literally stepped over him while he lay on the floor, kicking and screaming. After a few "ignores", he quit. He realized it had no effect. Ignore him until he quits the tirade, and when he's calm, again ask him to clean up the mess. Repeat until he gets that tantrums don't work. And don't clean up for him.

Young kids are more likely to pick up if you help them. My daughter is more willing if I'm there helping too, than just leaving her to do it alone. I don't see anything wrong with helping them pick up their things, especially if they help out with things that you do around the house. That way everyone helps everyone, and things get done quicker and happier.

Ignore him! He is playing a game with you and thinks if he cries long enough you'll give in and pick the papers up. Do not let this happen. Let him know crying isn't going to help. Threaten to take something of his away, like if he has a favorite toy. Tell him you will take his toy away of he doesn't clean up the papers. I know this sounds harsh but it will sink in. It might take some time but it will help.

Do it together with him. Even a simple task like that might look hard for a 3 -year-old. My daugther is almost 4 and it still takes some patience to convince her that she can do simple things like pulling up her panties.

This answer may not be popular but spank his butt. Tell him you love him but that you will not put up with this behavior and that you are sorry that you have to spank him but it is his choice to behave badly and next time remember this so you dont have to do it again. If you dont stop this behavior at the beginning it will only get worse. I know some people are against spanking but I feel spanking in some cases is the best deterant. Not to say that time out and other stuff taken away doesnt work but I have found a combination of all of it is the most effective

Give him a nice firm back hand and tell him you'll do it again but hard if he doesn't stop.