Not letting him play at certain times isn't a show of love, it's just a rule. There is no way to tell the true situation without knowing his normal behavior, why this rule exists, how they treat each other or what the potential is for allowing a negotiation to work for it. Sometimes, some parents can just be strict or even too strict just because they are controlling, unhappy or just straight up @ssholes. Rules aren't a sign of love, (especially rules that aren't necessarily too big a deal if they get lifted once in awhile) in the case of rules that exist that aren't really that big a deal ,can be approached. They exist as a whole to govern structure, the Alpha pecking order that must be learned and understood that exists in the real world, and the protection of them or their integrity. Having a child not only understand these concepts, but also be willing to pay the proper respect in asking (as opposed to rebellious behavior) to earn a chance at what they want, carrying it through and actually appreciating it, is all we want from them. One day they will leave, the rules are more so lessons in grooming etiquette, respect, pride in themselves and what they do, as well as the proper way to achieve something and what to expect from it. Rules are supposed to be lessons that teach, not barriers that restrict. Kids know that difference, for them, whenever something ceases to be a lesson and then has become a barrier, that barrier also becomes something else as well~an obstacle. What happens when toddlers move past sitting or walking? They climb...