Whoever declared the 'Terrible Twos' the worst part of parenting, obviously didn't let their kids live long enough to see the age of three. Three year-olds are coming into their own. They're learning what they like, what they don't like...what they can get away with. Nice to know my son fits the pattern perfectly.
The new phrase in our house is "I don't wanna Mommy." This can be an answer to 'Let's go eat breakfast!', 'Bathtime!', or more head-shaking worthy 'Wanna read a book before bedtime?' And it doesn't end with one declaration of his stance. He has learned to shake us off, give us a 'go-die' look and proclaim that he 'isn't happy' as he stomps up the stairs.
He will make a great manager someday.
One thing we've learned to do is bribe our son with the sticker system. If he receives a certain amount of stickers placed strategically on the refrigerator, he receives a prize. A coloring book. A toy car. A new movie. But, it's gotten to the point where my son could give two craps about a little sticker if he is able to maintain his stubbornness and win the battle of 'me vs. Mommy.'
Not to leave my husband out, he is just another pawn in the game of winning. My son can be so cute, stating matter-of-factly that my husband is 'his best friend'. That Daddy is a handsome prince and he loooooves him. And just when my son feels that he has buttered my husband up enough to join his army in the battle of 'NOT' eating - he pulls out the 'I'm not eating Daddy.'
And the following conversation ensues:
"Eli eat your
"I don't wanna Daddy."
"I don't care if you don't want to. You have to eat your
"I'm not eating Daddy."
"Well, if you're not going to eat, then you can go up to your room and go to bed."
And as he stomps up the stairs, I swear I smell victory on my son as he makes his way to his room filled with toys, books and his beloved Eeyor. AND he got out of eating vegetables.
Again, he will make a great leader someday. A passive-aggressive, stubborn leader who will either charm the pants off of minions who will be eager to follow or annoy them to the point of submission.
Think if everyone ruled this way. Pay compliments when needed. Make people feel loved and appreciated. Raise havoc when the outcomes aren't the desired ones. Dig in the heels when you feel absolutely adamant about the point at hand.
Three-year-olds call a spade a spade. They call it like they see it and they don't care or even know if some one's feelings get hurt. They just want to get from point A to point B in the easiest way possible and they will do whatever it takes to get what they want - two-hour long screaming fits are just a drop in the bucket.
Hopefully by the time my son reaches the workforce, the temper tantrums will subside. But, who am I kidding? We've all had bosses who have had times when theirs can rival any three-year-old's temper tantrums.
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