Three going on fourteen

[dampscribbler]

Maggie turns four tomorrow morning, and the past week she seems to have been trying out her best "terrible teen" behavior. Moody? Check. Sullen? Check. She even tried, as best a three-year-old who talks nonstop from waking to bedtime can, to give me the silent treatment. It lasted about 20 seconds. But I noticed, didn't I? She has also thrown herself onto her bed and cried several times this week. Please, nobody tell her about locking herself in the bathroom, or that will be next.

Last year's birthday was traumatic, too. As I recall the transition took about 6 months before it smoothed out. I think this year will be better.

Comments

[kellyrfineman.livejournal.com]

Mine are usually fine closest to their birthdays and out of sorts on the half year. I guess they're off track!

Just wait until 9, which is decidedly a preview of teendom.

Oh. And once I read a bit of advice that reminded parents of teens that their teens are really just oversized toddlers - they have the same issues regarding the desire for independence but the need for safety and support. So I flipped that for my kids when they were toddlers, and it made it easier to bear. 'Cause I can remember being a teen (kind of), but not being a toddler.

[dampscribbler.livejournal.com]

I love that advice, thanks!