Attitude with a CAPITAL A

Meet Sassy Britches:


Perhaps I jinxed myself when I wrote about Madeline's manners & behavior because the switch just flipped, and Sassy Britches is out in full force! Seemingly overnight Madeline as we know her disappeared, & Sassy Britches entered our home in her place.

This one

is venturing into uncharted territory with her talking back and sass, and I must say it's bringing me back to my 5th grade teacher school days. I knew I taught 5th grade for ten years for a reason! I've decided I handle these situations MUCH better than the irrational temper tantrums ~ maybe it's my school teacher comfort zone or maybe it's just a change of pace in the discipline department to keep me on my Mommy toes. Whatever it is, I don't like the fact that my two and a half year old has decided that pouting, talking back, laughing when she is disciplined, trying to boss me around, & sticking her tongue out at me is an appropriate response to Mommy! And, of course, to keep it interesting, she'll throw in one of those awesome temper tantrums at the drop of a hat just to make sure my blood pressure completely skyrockets. Seriously, if there is a boundary, she's testing it. If there is a line, she's crossing it all the while keeping her eye on me and how I react. I'm taking LOTS of deep breaths. I keep reminding myself that Madeline is learning about the world around her and our expectations of her, so it's my job as her Mama (Daddy too when he's home) to teach her that these are not appropriate tools to navigate the world. I'm sure she sees & hears these things in addition to being two and a half and feels the need to test drive this territory for herself. As Dr. Phil would say, "How's that working out for you?"

This timeout chair is occupied more often than not these days, and that doesn't include the times I have had to issue a few spanks for larger infractions.

I know it's the age & only temporary (I hope ~ her teacher keeps telling me so!), but I'm ready for my fun loving, sweet, well mannered girl to come back. Until then, I may have to adjust the grocery list to include more wine or invite John Rosemond to come live with us. :) Just kidding...