Teenage Angst. About 12 Years Too Soon.
Ok, so I expected to run into the drama and misery of my daughters' teenage years sooner or later...just not when she was 3 1/2 years old. Lately, Chatterbox is unhappy about, well, everything. I noticed that it began a week or so ago when she started insisting on wearing the same pair of jeans every.single.day. Also, I bought a brand new pair of adorable shoes and she absolutely refuses to wear them, but only wantes to put on her broken down old shoes from last fall. So getting dressed in the mornings became a battle. Then came Alexa.
Alexa is an older girl in Chatterbox's class that had "big ties" (meaning braids) in her hair. Oh and Alexa wears flip flops to school. Well, between those two fashion statements, Alexa has quickly become Chatterbox's fashion muse. She was upset (and I mean UPSET) everyday last week when I did her hair and it did not look like Alexa's. And she was further upset by the fact that I wouldn't let her wear flip flops to school. I mean, not only are they impractical for running on the playground, etc., but I believe that there is a time and place for flip flops and school isn't one of them.
So on Friday I had the woman who braids their hair on occasion come over to see if we couldn't hook Chatterbox up with some "ties." She was excited and I was relieved. Only to find out that the braids the woman gave her were not "BIG!" "LIKE ALEXA'S!" And so we were back to the sour face. Then she kicked and screamed when we were getting ready to go to brunch for Mother's Day yesterday because she didn't want me to put any bows in her hair. Nor did she want to wear the outfit that I had picked out. And of course, she wanted to wear flip flops too, but aside from the fact that she would have looked nuts, it was cold and rainy and that wouldn't have made any sense. Really, it was so bad that my morning was almost ruined. Hubby had to have a talk with her to calm her down like only he can.
And don't get me started on the regular meltdowns we have in the kitchen over what she does and doesn't want to eat.
Just what on earth is going on with her? I spoke to my mom and a couple of friends about it and they all seem shocked that she is so opinionated and looks-conscious at such a young age. I'm going try spending some more one-on-one time with her and maybe talking to her teacher to make sure nothing out of the ordinary is going on at school. I'm hoping it's a (short) phase, because Lord only knows I can't be going through this for the next 12 years.
Maybe I can move in with Alexa.
So on Friday I had the woman who braids their hair on occasion come over to see if we couldn't hook Chatterbox up with some "ties." She was excited and I was relieved. Only to find out that the braids the woman gave her were not "BIG!" "LIKE ALEXA'S!" And so we were back to the sour face. Then she kicked and screamed when we were getting ready to go to brunch for Mother's Day yesterday because she didn't want me to put any bows in her hair. Nor did she want to wear the outfit that I had picked out. And of course, she wanted to wear flip flops too, but aside from the fact that she would have looked nuts, it was cold and rainy and that wouldn't have made any sense. Really, it was so bad that my morning was almost ruined. Hubby had to have a talk with her to calm her down like only he can.
And don't get me started on the regular meltdowns we have in the kitchen over what she does and doesn't want to eat.
Just what on earth is going on with her? I spoke to my mom and a couple of friends about it and they all seem shocked that she is so opinionated and looks-conscious at such a young age. I'm going try spending some more one-on-one time with her and maybe talking to her teacher to make sure nothing out of the ordinary is going on at school. I'm hoping it's a (short) phase, because Lord only knows I can't be going through this for the next 12 years.
Maybe I can move in with Alexa.
Original post to DC Metro Moms Blog and cross-posted to MamaLaw.
Dying to know what Alexa wore to school today? Find out tomorrow at MamaLaw, Justice Fergie's personal blog.
I feel for you... I think maybe this influence in her life is something that she needs to get away from. However, I think this is somewhat natural. Maybe its just a phase and she will soon latch on to something else? Children always look up to older kids to copy.. Maybe she just needs something new to take her attention away from Alexa. If youd like, please check out my website www.angietheant.com It's a children's character promoting positive family values and morals. Angie is spreading good throughout the world! Theres some games on there, and perhaps a positive entertainment character is something Chatterbox needs right now :)
Posted by:Paige | May 14, 2008 at 10:43 AM
My daughter is also 3 1/2 and is the same way with the meltdowns over NOTHING, fighting over clothes and food, and general crankiness. I think its their age...and I hope it passes quickly too.
Posted by:Jessica @ A Bushel and a Peck | May 14, 2008 at 12:03 PM
oh yes my 3 1/2 year old only wanted to wear pants for the past 6 months, NO DRESSES, but then sasha wore a dress to school and now all she will wear is dresses !!! and my 1 1/2 year old is already showing preferences in her shoes and outfits. god help me
Posted by:feener | May 14, 2008 at 07:42 PM
OMG...my 4 1/2 yo is still this way and it started around 3. Add to the flip flop request: twirly skirts/dresses, ballet flats with glitter, and those awful crocs.
On the cute side, we went into an Old Navy the other day and she gushed to me, "Oh, there are so many cute clothes! I wish I could have them all!" Too cute.
Posted by:Veronica | May 15, 2008 at 10:41 AM
this sounds exactly like a friend of my of son's (a girl - just turned four)... Her mom had a baby in january-
I THINK IT MAY JUST BE A 'NEW BABY' thing, I know you are pregnant- and look great - I might add.
Her mother is a doctor - and still throws up her hands- but she told me just last week that things are getting better b/c she's spending more one- on- one time with her and the ' this new thing/baby is staying' is really absorbing into her :)
Good luck friend :) Being the mom of a boy- that's all I can offer- my son could care less what he wears b/c he's so busy playing with cars...
we did just invite her over for a playdate- and she loved it. And her mom thanked me and said it made a difference...
the point- maybe try to do playdates, special things, etc.
It's definitely a phase- another example- another one of my son's best friends had a little sister last week and he is constantly referring to his little sister as 'it'.
Posted by:Nicole | May 15, 2008 at 05:56 PM
I so feel you. My 5yo is just starting to come out of the vortex that my brother (father of 4) refers to as the f*ing fours. Forget terrible twos... And the girl/hormone/early puberty thing? I so did not see it coming either. Sneak preview for you? My 5yo: "Sometimes I just feel like you are not even my mom. I want to move to California with Haru (friend from preschool) and get married." SIGH. Is there room at Alexa's?
Posted by:MamaBird/SurelyYouNest | May 16, 2008 at 07:24 PM