With her being the second child and having Diva DNA, I knew from very early on that Madelyn would be my “handful” child.
Parents with more than one kid know exactly what I mean; it seems that everyone ends up with at least one of these.
(And if you didn’t, I don’t want to hear about it.)
(Consider yourself damn lucky.)
My Madelyn is the child whose name is always said with “Oh” before it, and a deep sigh let out after it.
My Madelyn is the child who tries to rule the family, even as the tiniest of emperors.
My Madelyn is known by every teacher and instructor she’s ever had to regularly take the hand-on-hip-with-head-cocked-to-side (m)attitude pose.
My Madelyn is the child who can’t be bribed with anything; if she doesn’t want to do it, there’s absolutely no way to convince her otherwise.
My Madelyn is the child who is constantly contrary to every.single.idea presented, even though you know she actually loves what you suggested.
Some recent examples of her pain in the you-know-what behavior:
1.) During a conversation while shopping Halloween costume websites, Kate excitedly squealed, “Ooooh, I want to be that! I LOVE it!” for every single costume she laid eyes on.
But Maddie’s response each and every time?
A very passionate, “I do not like that AT ALL!”
2.) We took the girls to see Disney on Ice on Saturday. Maddie was in a foul mood for some unknown reason, and stood – not sat – the entire show, and while wearing a sour look on her face.
What 3 year old girl is so stubborn that even seeing Minnie and Tinkerbell in real life doesn’t break her deliberate pout?
3.) Angry with me for calling her by one of her super cute nicknames, Maddie wagged her finger my way, saying, “Miss D (her teacher) says that it’s not nice to call other people names!”
4.) It’s standard practice in our house that before heading out somewhere, everyone gets their shoes on, goes potty and washes their hands. Even though this practice is quite standard, Maddie still fights it when she wants. When digging her heels in recently, my mom said to her, “If you don’t go potty on the toilet like usual, I’ll put you outside to go potty with the dogs.”
Maddie’s response?
An un-phased, “OK.”
{Sigh}
Believe me when I say Maddie regularly makes me work through my entire bag of tricks.
The girl’s got game.
So tell me, do you have a Madelyn in your family? If so, how many Maddies do you have?
It must be something about the 2nd child. Mine is a boy…..and WATCH OUT!
I have a 10 yo diva. This morning she was refusing to leave the bed. I said I’d carry her to the shower. She refused. When I walked away she yelled, “Aren’t you going to carry me?” I went back to her bed and tried to pick her up. She refused. As I walked away, “Aren’t you going to carry me?” I can only imagine what the next years hold.
Yes! OMG, yes! It’s a lose-lose with them!
We can drown together in our sorrows.
Awwwwwww, I think I *may* have been a bit of a Maddie growing up. If it’s any consolation, I like to think of myself as extremely well-rounded and well-adjusted. Don’t look at me like that–I TOTALLY AM!
HMPH.
Anyway, she’s precious. One day you’ll both smile and laugh when you think back on these stories. Eh??
If she grows up to be as confident and independent as you, I’d consider that to be a job well done.
Are you suggesting there’s something wrong with going to the bathroom in the backyard? I’m confused.
I think you and Julie Gardner should have a comment leaving showdown. You both leave the best comments ever.
I have a feeling that one of my children will be stubborn.
And I only have one right now.
It could go either way with the one we have now, she’s very easy going but has shown signs of putting up a fight.
I was much MUCH more aggressive as a child so I am waiting for it.
It may come with the second.
Whenever we decide to have another.
Hahahaha! Yes, the cuteness helps. And I surely have been blessed with one of those. She is now 7. I bet it will be fun for Madelyn to read these stories down the road.
I think it’s the second child syndrom. Baby is pretty much the same. I have been overheard explaining to her that some species eat their young and that I now understand why! I wish you luck!
Ha! That’s a pretty strong statement to make, yet I totally understand why you have made that explanation.
I think I was the Maddie of my family. Even though I was the first child, I definitely had Diva DNA. And that pouty trip to Disney on Ice sounds VERY familiar…
At least you own your pain in the neck-ness?
I have a Maddy who goes by a different name. I feel your pain. (-: These kids are the hardest on their mothers but when they grow up man, are gonna rule the WORLD. They’re mini-Margaret-Thatchers, my husband always reminds me. The other day E. was in a time-out, I heard her say to my husband: “That’s perfectly fine by me, I just *love* time outs.” and: “Oh, isn’t this couch comfy? I could sit here all day!” and when he asked her, “Are you done now? Have you had enough?” she replied: “Nope. I haven’t had enough, actually. I’m going to sit here all day and you’re going to have to stay here with me, bored to death.”
Oh Liz, you make me feel so much better about MY Maddy. While yes, she has her Diva tendencies, she is DEFINITELY not that bad. She isn’t quite that contrary. But I do see a very painful adolescence in my future and sadly I don’t think she’ll even notice.
BTW, I have to agree w/ your title, your Maddie is VERY CUTE!
Yep! Totally have my very own “Maddie” in my youngest. I keep hoping he’ll grow out of it… *sigh*
And then also keep trying to convince myself that later in life it will be a positive personality characteristic for him… right??? Right???
That’s the same thing I try to tell myself! Misery loves company, eh?
Do you and I share the same daughter? I have the same daughter, except she’s the 6 yo model. At least in my experience, it hasn’t gotten easier with age. She just the older version. No wonder I drink…
So has she gotten progressively worse as she’s aged? Maddie just turned 3, and I don’t know if I need to brace myself for worsening conditions.
I have a small husband for her, Gio is exactly like that…he doesn’t get his way, heads will roll. I ignore him…A LOT.
She is really really really cute. You’re right it’s the thing that keeps you sane with them. LOL
I feel less alone now….ahhhhhh.
I’m scared. Aliza is a diva and what if our next one is even worse? (no, I’m not pregnant, not even a little bit)
Wow! Go grandma! I love that response.
Ironically my sweet second boy is starting to get some serious attitude, while my first girl who used to be so difficult is starting to be so sweet. All in the matter of course, I guess. I think you should proud of your daughter who is no-nonsense and super confident (even if she does need to be “tamed” a bit). (laughing)
I’m charmed by the “handful” kid in all families. I would imagine she’ll be your bestest of friend when she’s in her 20′s.
I would love that! Here’s to hoping for a great adult relationship with her!
three is the new two. My oldest needs more hands on…but boy can my three year old dig in his heels!
I do have a Maddie in my family. That would be my 4 year old. I’m really hoping my baby girl doesn’t follow in her footsteps!