And then sometimes not....

Marisa did a real 180 today and it wasn't fun.  She and I had done nothing but hang around the house all day, so when the big kids got out of school, I thought it would be nice to hit the playground for a little outdoor time.  We got shoes on and headed out.  Immediately, Marisa went into her "complaining" mode and decided that she was heading off on vacation.  She didn't specify a destination, but when she didn't stop about 30 yards away, Jillian offered to fetch her.  That didn't work, so I had to drag her back.  I explained that not coming when called was inappropriate and that she had to remain by my side.  So she proceeded to complain louder, cry and fuss, saying that she wanted to go inside.  I told her that we would do so in 10 minutes.  So I got 10 minutes of non-stop noise.  When I announced that the 10 minutes was up, she immediately announced that she wanted to stay outside.  ARGH.

So we headed toward the apartment, but stopped to sit on the stoop.  Friends joined us and I figured we were through with being contrary.  Nope.  This time she walked off until I called her name and then she ran.  When we got inside she had a time out with the timer.  When it dinged, she sat there for an additional half hour because she refused to acknowledge that she knew why she ended up in time-out in the first place.  Total 2-year-old independence stuff.  Finally she realized that I really meant it and confessed that she knew that it was wrong to run away.

Now she's fairly normal, but I sure don't want to take her to Tae Kwon Do.  That's been her favorite place to act up lately.  I hope that Mike is home early tonight!

Comments

[Kaitlin Guastafierro]

Hi there, I can totally relate with this particular situation. I must admit 9 years old and Ian still has his moments. He has turned into a pleasant, well mannered boy. Fixated on time and books, he never forgets to tell me we are runing late (like I need to be reminded) or that I picked him up too early from summer camp (I think 0630 til 1700 is mre than enough time). He seems to thin that since it opens at 0600 and closes at 1800 then he should be able to hang out. ANyway. I'll send some pictures soon. Take care and just take a long deep breath onthose VERY trying moments!!!