It’s funny what kids pick up on. I guess by nature they can read body language and non-verbal communication well enough to know when we are either upset and or happy. Lately my daughter has gotten into the cute habit of looking at us when we are unhappy (usually when she doesn’t listen or slaps the cats in the head) and saying “Are you happy mama?….Are you happy daddy?” And she just doesn’t look at us from across the room, she get’s in real close and stares at us with her gorgeous blue eyes, lights up a smile and melts our hearts. How can I not be happy with this little blessing?
Recently I’ve noticed significant changes in my daughters “listening” behavior. If her mom and I are with her at the same time she tends to act out, throw little tantrums and basically run from authority. If it’s her and I alone she is a completely different kid. Doesn’t act out, listens and doesn’t run from authority. My wife and I have both read about similar types of behavior and have found published articles where research shows that kid’s are the hardest on the person they’re with the most…in our case Mommy. “I want mommy to do it!”…..”I want mommy to change me!”……..”I want mommy to put me in my chair!”….etc. But when my wife is at a girl’s night my daughter doesn’t say or do these things. Does anyone else have similar type of behavior with their kids? Trying to explain to her that “mommy needs a break sometimes” is like telling someone at starbucks you want a “large” coffee instead of a “venti” coffee….just doesn’t register. We are making strides though and I feel like we are on the uphill climb…..
Parenting on the Peninsula – The Website