Here is a typical conversation with Peter after he asks me a question and the answer is no.

P: Mom, can I have a cookie?

M: No.

P: Mom, did you say no?

M: yes.

P: You said yes?!

M: no

P: Did you say no?

M: yes

P: You said yes?!

M: no
And around and around we go. I have begun to guide the conversation this way:

P: Mom, can I have a cookie?

M: no

P: Did you say no.

M: I said you cannot have a cookie.

That works for now anyway. Who knows what he’ll come up with next.