This is the “n” word right now at the Engstrom abode. Why is it that no one has to teach kids to be naughty? They learn that one on their own just fine. Once again proof to me that as humans we all have a sin nature, despite being taught what is best we decide to go our own way and be corrupted. That is right my sweet little Anni Joy has discovered the word NO and she uses it freely and often. At first I thought it was cute; that time has passed. She was asserting her own will and communicating with me so yeah for Annikah! And of course she has the right to disagree and I want her to be able to communicate her own feelings but this is getting crazy. The charm has far faded as now her response to almost everything is a “no”. It actually sounds like “naaaa” but in case you are not clear what she means she has added the head shake for emphasis and even the occasional dirty look and eye glare for dramatic flair. All this has left me wondering if I say no too much to her? Why would she pick this up so quickly and use it every chance she gets?
“Anni, we are going to get our coat on now”
“Naaaa” (followed by her running away and hiding behind the rocking chair in her room)
“Anni, can Mama have a kiss?”
“Naaaa” (followed by me feeling rejected and sad- ok, not that deep)
“Anni please stop running down the aisle of Jewel and come here to get in your stroller”
“Naaaa” (followed by me thinking of pretending she was someone else’s child, hey, no judgement I only said I thought about it)
“Anni can you help Mama pick up the crackers you mashed all over the just mopped floor?”
“Naaaa” (followed by Annikah getting on her little car and running over them further “getting the job done”)
Yes, No is big around here these days. Let’s just hope it is one hit wonder big and not Rolling stones here to stay. Oh Vey!
*she has also been doing lots of other “big kid” things which I must update soon but we are leaving for a missions conference again and our camera was lost or stolen (some require pictures of video) so I will get on it soon…
bummer – the golden age before the n word is over – well, the use of it in our home ebbs and flows – then you get to tackle words like “mine” and “now” – have fun at the conference!
I read “How to Raise a Strong Willed Child”, and I don’t remember any of it, but you absorbed all of it,ie. running Marathons in 90 degree weather, and taking my only grand baby to Africa. So the n word will only be the beginning from our strong willed little girl! š I remember it all well! Wate till she’s a teenager, and we’ll talk about red hair and the “grunge”look! š
I am so glad Joshua isn’t that verbal yet. No appearence of no, but I am sure it will come soon!