To set the scene, it was dinner time, our 2yr old had eaten a plate full of food, clearing the rest of the food straight onto the floor. She's two. It happens. On Purpose.
She then holds the plate up to me and asks for more. She's kidding right?!
Hubby said she isn't having more of what she had, but she can have this (bubble & squeak patty).
Between asking me for more and being offered a patty the bubble & squeak variety she had herself a patty. Upset because I said no, upset because I took her plate away that she gave me. Just upset because she can be.
I told her to say please, a common occurance and one this two year old is fully capable of doing. She refused. As if she had something to prove. Witnessing the demeanour of this 2yr old placed into focus a battle that needed overcoming and not a submissive parent claiming 'whatever'.
Well, I've seen this behaviour before, and I was not about to be played by a 2yr old. The battle was on, and I was determined to win. Actually I need to win. So did she.
This two year old is what some refer to as a strong-willed child, others label them a spirited child and others just plain naughty amongst many other things.
I've experienced this kind of strong-willed child. I have 3 strong-willed children, 2 are similar (although all are very different).
So we are in a battle, pouty lip, upset eyes, the full act. And I stand my ground. Say please. Baby refuses.
Hubby steps in, please? and she won't. But she cries. She was removed from the table to have a cry, a normal function of babies, toddlers, children, teenagers and adults. When she settled down not long afterwards she was returned to the table, but still refusing to say please.
The meal had moved on with the other children, conversations continued amongst the 2yr old catastrophe and we were enjoying ourselves.
Then suddenly, in the corner of my eye I witnessed what I required. The baby saying please (using sign language, which is acceptable communication for us at this age). I told hubby, so he can finish off the battle, and she would know how serious we are.
He said to her please? and rubbed his chest. She followed suit. Full submission in her eyes, willing to obey, a battle won.
I decided that parents had won that round. Hubby says yes, but she has won a battle of her own.
In this particular instance she overcome her own will, she submitted under the authority and leadership of both her parents and she received what she was wanting.
Too often, I see adults having these battles, a battle of their own will, a battle to submit willingly with a cheerful attitude under the authority and leadership they are placed under. Think about it, in an employment situation, under the law of the land, and under the leadership of church members. How often do we hear grumbling "meh meh meh my boss blergh"rather than the obedient act of 'Yes, Sir!'.
5 Things I am Thankful for:
1. Battle won for all involved
2. Grace
3. Hubby Help
4. Meal Times with the Family
5. His Grace being Sufficient
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