the strong willed child

[ellie]

DD, to put it politely, is a very strong willed child. I always have to pick and choose my battles with her, otherwise it would be a battle of wills all the time. Lately she has acquired a behavior that DRIVES ME UP THE WALL! Whenever she doesn't want to hear what I'm saying, she says "eeehhhhh" as long as she can so she doesn't hear me -- sometimes she also covers her ears with her hands. I've tried everything...consequences, rewards, taking things away, time outs... I've tried ignoring it, but I just can't -- DH tries not to laugh and says it's just a phase (the kicker is, she only does this with me).

Ideas, anyone? Help me save some of my sanity?

[DCJenn]

I think Tara has some great suggestions. (where would we be without moms who have already been there?)

They certainly know how to push buttons don't they? Observant little creatures.

Jenn

[alison]

Can we get some cute Nikolai pictures?! I love one where he's in his Easter outfit!

[ellie]

Tara, thanks so much for the great suggestions. I think you're absolutely right...DD is trying to get my attention, especially these days with the new baby. It's just hard for me to ignore this one for some reason...she really is too smart for her own good (or maybe mine) -- knows how to push all the right buttons!

I had to ignore her and walk away when she went through a biting phase as a toddler -- same thing, she only did it to me...