Somebody already said it here.. that kids do have the ability to reason. That's the logic I follow.
And they also have the ability to be unreasonable, and disobey.
Absolutely. I don't think you'll hear from any parent that their kids are perfect. My kids "disobey" on a daily basis, I don't consider that to be an offense (in most cases) and I don't take it as a personal insult and want to lash out at them over it. I never even think in terms of whether the kids have "obeyed" me, too harsh a word.
Pops: Daughter, 2 and a half, it is time to brush your teeth.
Daughter, 2 and a half: No! I not brush teef!
Pops: Come on, let's brush your teeth.
Daughter, 2 and a half: *runs away*
Pops: You know you must brush your teeth, let's go ahead and do it and then enjoy a story together shall we?
Daughter, 2 and a half: 'kay.
...is better than..
Pops: Daughter, 2 and a half, it is time to brush your teeth.
Daughter, 2 and a half: No! I not brush teef!
Daughter, 2 and a half: *runs away*
Pops: *runs screaming* GET OVER HER NAOW!! WE'RE BRUSHING YOUR TEEEEETH RIGHT NAOW! *thwacks to the bottom* GET.OVER.HERE.RIGHT.NOW.BRAT! *pulls kids arm, jabs toothbrush at her*
Daughter, 2 and a half: *bbaaaaawllll*