We are experiencing some, errr, behavioral struggles with Anna as of late. It appears that Anna is a late bloomer in the independence department. Because it can take forever to get out of house with triplets, the adults always dressed the girls. Rich and I have taken the parenting approach of "they will eventually figure it out" with many issues and learning how to dress was one of them.
It takes Anna much longer to dress herself and I try to be patient. I try not to rush her. The issue is that she is sort of being, errr, difficult with some things. Like picking out clothes. This can be a battle with any of the girls but this past week, Anna has really been pushing buttons. Like last night.
We have had crappy rainy cool weather all this week. I have the girls pick out their school clothes the night before so that Grammy doesn't have to deal with it in the morning. I told the girls that they needed to wear long sleeves. Allie and Em were fairly agreeable. Anna picked out a short sleeve pink t-shirt. "Anna, you have to wear something with long sleeves. Can you wear this long sleeve t-shirt underneath that."
"NO."
And then the shirt fell off the hanger. I picked the shirt up off of the floor and placed it back on the hanger which caused Anna to have a fit. She wanted to put the shirt on the hanger herself. So I let her even though it took a long time.
At this point, Allie and Em have not only picked out complete outfits for school but their teeth are flossed and brushed and they are changing into their pajamas. Anna was still at step one out of ten and it was getting late.
She finally slid the shirt onto the hanger and hung it up on the gate leading downstairs. This is where the girls place their outfits for the next day. She eventually fininshed her outfit, which included a hoodie. The rule is they have to wear something with long sleeves because of the weather.
I came downstairs this morning to find Allie and Em dressed. Anna was still in her pajamas. And she told Grammy that she wasn't wearing the hoodie. {Sigh.} Or going to school.
Grammy told me that it took 45 minutes this afternoon to get Anna ready for the library. Anna didn't want to be cathed and then she refused to put on her shoes and socks. I guess Em kept saying, "It sure is taking a really long time to get to the library."
I know she's just testing her boundaries and displaying independence. We've been through this with Allie and Emily. This too shall pass. Hopefully.
5 comments:
First of all, let me say that I love reading your blog (I used to be on the bump's photog board).
We are currently in a power struggle with our toddler and as I'm sure you know, nobody wins in that situation. ::sigh:: I've definitely gotten some great ideas on wrangling kids from reading your posts.
Thank you for sharing this! I had surgery 7 weeks ago and my husband is out of town. Every morning is a battle - "NO" to this and "NO" to that. sigh. I hope it passes quickly.
Well I guess she is just leaving her mark for you to always remember and cherish! Im new to this blog but once I first read yours I was right away inspired and amazed with how great of a mom you are! Good luck with your terrible twos!
http://babytobesoon.blogspot.com/
Thank you for posting this. We're having independence struggles here too sometimes.
I love your blog and read every day! I feel like we have a lot in common. :)
Ah, the ugly side of independence. We have that going on here. With my 3 y/o twins and my 7 y/o daughter. Different levels of it but it's all the same deep down. At least the 3 y/os don't tell me, "You are the meanest mommy and I am not talking to you anymore tonight". I have learned to let it slide right off me, but wow - it's intense. Thank goodness it's a stage and only lasts a bit, then they move on until it comes back round again.
Hang in there and keep deep breathing. And God bless Anna for wanting to do it herself, despite how long it takes. Especially bless her that she can do it herself, even if it takes forever.
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