Delaney – “Mommy, what are we having for dinner tonight?”
Me – “Ohhh…you know what, tonight we’ll have something fun…we’ll have macaroni and cheese.”
Delaney – “No….I don’t think so.” (picture this said with a slight head tilt, a quick shrug of the shoulders…as though it wasn’t an interesting enough option.”
Me – “Actually, yes, that is what we are having.”
Delaney – “No, I don’t think so.” (Same head tilt, same shrug)
Me again – “Delaney, this is what Mommy is making for dinner.”
Delaney again “I’m not eating Macaroni and Cheese. I’m not eating Macaroni and Cheese.” (This is said with a lilting sing-song, almost under her breath.”
Me one more time – “Well, then, you can go to your room.”
Delaney’s last word – “No, I don’t think so.” (Also sing-songy)
This is the point where I start to lose my mind. I am locked in a battle of words and wits with a three year old. No one is yelling, though I can feel my blood starting to boil a bit. Am I really ARGUING with her? Yes, in fact, I think I am.
Clearly, I want her to eat. But now, I don’t want to give in to her demands (even when they are sung). This, of course, makes me feel a bit like the toddler in this situation, but darn it, I don’t like how she is talking to me! I’m the Mommy (right?) But I know I won’t win. I can’t make her eat. I can, however, send her to her room for a little bit. Which I did. She emerged moments later as though nothing had happened. And she did have a few bites of Mac and cheese, a side of tears and a big helping of whining. I did let her have a few other items….she is a big fan of fruit.
How come no one told me my 3 year old would act like she is going on 13? I’m not sure what I would have done with that information to make it more bearable, but I still think someone should have warned me. She is extraordinary, but, WOW!, she is sassy!
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