Honestly, I need a little break from her. A recurring theme in parenting for me has been "this stage will pass" so I am constantly reminding myself to just hang in there and be strong. I have already said many times that Annabelle is different from the boys, but it needs to be said again.
She is sooooo different from the boys.
Generally speaking, Annie has been easier than them as a toddler, but oh-so different. The battle is still over clothes and hair. (I remember blogging about this but don't have time reference the link). Here is our latest typical scenario: Time to get dressed. I don't particularly care what she wears as long as it is weather-appropriate. Nope, she can't do it. She doesn't want to wear tights.....or leggings.......or pants.......or socks. So I spank her and get the clothes on. Here is where she differs from the boys; rather than rebelling and immediately taking the clothes off, she just pitches a fit and cries for a half hour. If I tell her to stop crying and spank her for not complying, then the heaving and crying just continues. Same goes for the hair. Ugh. I am trying to plan ahead for adequate time to deal with this situation before we leave to go out for the day.
And yes, I know it is a control thing.
So don't let this sweet smile fool you. Seconds later she will be collapsed in the floor distraught over who-knows-what. poor little emotional wreck of a gal.
Dear Lord, Please send us spring weather soon. Flip flops and sundresses sound so good to me right now.
12 comments:
Julie.. Now I'll preface this with "I'm not a parent" but have you thought about letting her put on whatever she wants.. and have her go outside for a bit so she can see how cold it is.. and then maybe she'll decide on her own to put on more clothes. Again, I'm not a parent.. and maybe that would be cruel.. but maybe if she got cold she would want the leggins...
But none the less, dont doubt yourself. I am sure you are doing a fabulous job.. and she will come around! = )
Girl, I will be praying for you! I am dreading those years that are certain to come. It sounds like you're doing all you can. I have no answers, but I have sympathy for you! Keep trekking through this, spring is ALMOST here!!!
Julie! I have a 5 year old girl who recently wore a summer dress, with Uggs, to dinner...at the country club.... It was the one battle I was not going to deal with.
However, on the days it matters (like, school days, or any other day I am feeling brave!) I set out three outfits that are weather appropriate. If she doesn't choose one of the following, and pitches a fit, I just walk out of the room....Tending to her brothers, and shuffling them downstairs, acting like we are leaving. She eventually gets the picture and puts on an assortment of the three outfits. (I don't care if she matches at this point!)
You are a wonderful parent!!!!! And, she's a girl....And you love her!
I can see Ellen heading in this direction, she is not there yet but she is already forming strong opinions about shoes and her hair! I will be calling you then, thanks for you honesty! It is good to hear other parents struggling, nobody has it together and we all need a TON of Grace. Take it to God he knows Annabelle even better than you!
Sure. I'll take her for a while. Really, I've taken one for my sister and other friends before when it was in the best interest of everyone involved to have a little space. I might even give her back if you ask very nicely. ;)
Wow. I am just going to pray for you. My kid is easy. God knew I couldn't do it, He knows YOU can. Take it as a compliment. Love you.
Aunt Lorie
That is tough! I like the "this stage will pass" I am going to remember that one because I'm sure there are many similar battles in my future. For now I will just enjoy picking out Julia's outfits without any input from her whatsoever.
Cute picture!
julie, i have been here with olive around that age and what i learned from then has "helped" with lucy. olive used to pitch terrible fits over clothes too. now the night before, i set out two outfits. it's not unusual for her to hate both of her choices at first. but she knows i mean business about it and she has all night till the next morning to decide which outfit or collaboration of the outfit she is going to wear. this has helped us a lot, having the fit at night instead of in the morning. lucy has not yet shown signs that she cares what she wears outside of the house. i can't keep clothes on her inside, but i don't really care about that. but she does want her clothes set out for the next day, just like olive. she hasn't ever asked for 2 choices though. but i'm waiting. but she does throw a mean tantrum. we often times are trying to get out the door around this time. her issue is that she cannot decide if she wants help or to do things on her own w/ things like shoes, coats etc... the best thing i know what to do for her in this area is to tell her that she has 3 seconds to figure it out or i'm just going to do it myself and that it may or may not end in a spanking. her other biggie is crying at the dinner table. she is just in a funk at this time of day almost every day. we tell her that she can either stop crying or go cry in her room. i know that sounds harsh, but sometimes only tough love will do. anyways, i hope to help. every child is different so you never know.
oh and hair, i always tell olive that if she doesn't want me to fix her hair, than i'm just going to get it cut short, which is how i like her hair anyways. she wants it long, so she eventually complies.
you're doing a wonderful job. i truly believe there is no struggle like the one between a mother and a daughter!
I know I don't have a girl, but it takes me about 1 and 1/2 hours to get Judah ready and out the door in the morning. Usually it is a battle over wearing clothes period- he probably would go to school in his underwear snowing or not :) It is totally over control, and both of us are stubborn and strong willed....so you can see where that leads. I live by that phrase "this too shall pass," especially those mornings that it takes 5 'time outs' and multiple spankings just to walk out the door. All I can say is hang in there- you're not alone !
Well sweet sis! I am so sorry my "fariy" thing didnt work out! Dang you Anna- making your mama work so hard! :) She has a tough enough job w/ your brothers :) and her own sisters and brothers to deal w/! Ha ha! Just kidding! I am glad the boots work! Sitck to your guns. Spank that sweet little tiny bootie of hers! When you need to vent or cry CALL ME! I will cry and vent with you! You are amazing! Just stay tough! That is what we KNOW works! Remember... this too will pass before we know it we will be freaking out b/c Lucie and Annabelle are NOT WHERE they are supposed to be! So as hard as it is! ENJOY this BATTLE! At least she is home in her bed EACH night by 9 pm!!! :) Love you! amie
Well I agree but I about the brief should acquire more info then it has.
Post a Comment