I am NEVER doing that

Kate has taken to flat-out refusal for things she doesn't want to do, like go to bed, go to the babysitter's, wear a specific outfit. Whatever. At first it tended to be kind of funny, because she'd end up saying things like, "I am NOT wearing those shorts. I am NEVER WEARING SHORTS!", which of course was untrue, but she was trying so hard to be nasty, that it was funny.

Now it's gotten a little more challenging. The other night, I told them it was time to take baths and showers (because they are both so tired), and she threw a big fit (not at all related to the tired, of course). She clung on to the banister at the top of the stairs and said, "I am not taking a bath. I am not going to bed. I am never going to bed!" I got her into time out, and she continued to scream and yell. When she finally calmed down, I said, "Okay, are you ready to put on your pjs?"

"NO! I am NEVER WEARING PJS. I am NOT doing that!"

"You can put on your pjs and go to bed, or you can go to bed in what you have on," was my response. Amazingly, I felt very calm. I think the amusing element was keeping me from losing my temper.

Naturally, she refused my offer. So I picked her up to take her to her room. She was so tightly clinging to the dining room chair she was sitting in, that the whole chair came with her. I shook her back and forth a bit to get her to drop the chair, and then took her to her room, turned out the light, and closed the door. Of course, once she realized I meant business, she said, "I can't sleep in these clothes! I have to put on my pjs! Please mommy can I put on my pjs." So we did, and she went to bed early.

Today, she didn't want to go into the babysitters. So here we are, 7 am in a quiet neighborhood and my daughter is yelling in the yard, "NO! I am not going in there!" and has planted herself firmly on a garden edging stone. Fortunately, a bee helped me move her by buzzing by, but really, what am I supposed to do? Drag her into the house screaming and wake the other baby? Strong-willed Child (the least helpful book ever) says the last resort is spanking. Clearly they haven't tried that with my daughter, because after a warning and spanking, she could care less. Eventually, I talked her in by telling her she'd have to go straight to bed when we get home, a threat she knows I'm good for now. Good grief. If we can just make it to vacation...

Here's a picture of my darling daughter looking super cute (though somewhat sassy) in her Sunday finest. Heaven help me.