If it makes you feel any better…Holly was um, “strong-willed” too and she turned out alright. I think my mom just drank a lot during those years. All kidding aside, I can’t really relate, but just know I’m thinking about you!

OH hah, I just scanned quickly over “Holly was um, strong willed too” and I was all, ” I was, really? ” lol. Not me Holly, duh. It’s all about me..jk. I don’t have any advice to offer b/c all my parenting skills are from Cesar Milan Dog Whisperer. I don’t think a poke in the neck along with a loud “shhh” will work when Mills misbehaves. Works for my dog children though! Hang in there! xoxo.

I think “rogue” is one of the best compliments a child can be paid. I was always that one… strong willed, independent, daring to be different, dancing to my own wild beat or none at all. As a child, it was considered defiance. As an adult, it’s passion and personality, and I know little Millie (and her mommy) has got those in spades. Cheer up- I know you are a rocking mom! Don’t overthink parenting, just love her like crazy and she will be, and that’s wonderful!

Love you, girl!

All I can say after surviving 2 girls through the terrible two’s, three’s AND fours is that counting to 10 really does work and Mommy alone time is crucial! OH and lots of margarita’s!!!! You too will survive and look back and laugh

Kate, i never had the courage to be a parent so you have my great admiration but i have no advice to offer. I do send a hug and best wishes. And i promise not to ask your mom if you were exactly the same way at 3! This could be worse. And it will be. Ten years from now she will be 13. And you will be ten years stronger and wiser. I think you need a chocolate cupcake.

I’d say it’s at least 75% “being almost 3″. Three year olds are a challenge! The defiance is completely mind boggling at times. Kate can be just like that, she doesn’t want to just make mommy happy any more. More and more she’s stubborn and wants to get things done her way. It makes me worried about when these little ones get older, do they also get more determined? I hope that if we weather this well, it’ll lay down a good base for later, when puberty hits (a person can hope can’t they?)

Good luck weathering this Kate, hopefully it helps knowing you’re not the only one!

::hugs:: for you today, Kate. as the mother of a bipolar 13 year old now..who started doing the most bizarre, weird and unbeleivable things at age 3 .. that oftentimes involved police, and strangers offering up very very unwanted advice and stares (which is the least some offered) I can only say… ::Hugs:: and I am here if you ever want to vent. There is little my own little rouge ballerina has done …. including being kicked OUT of ballet. Gymnastics. and nearly, the 3rd grade. I got yer back if you need one. :o)

((((Big Hugs)))) Know you’re doing a remarkable job as a mother, and things will get better within time.

Ok, here’s the scene. It’s 2033 and you, Bobby, Millie, and her husband are having dinner at the great restaurant in Castellina in Chianti and “remembering when…”! Think about how fabulous that will be! You all will figure out YOUR way to handle this and the next situation and the next. You are much better parents already than I and I love you both!
Pa

Welcome to my world Kate. We both have wonderful, smart (brillant in fact), strong (willed) kiddos. Makes the days they aren’t all that cooperative a boon to the liquor industry and the days they amaze us, the best day we have ever had.

Oh girl….I have SO been there for the last year. I knew being a parent would be hard, but I had no idea it would be SO hard! Know what I mean? Hugs to you, Kate, because I have an almost 4 year old that “dances to her own beat” also and it isn’t easy. You will find a way to do it with your special “flair” and I’m sure one day you and Millie will laugh about all the crazy things she did. At least this is the advice I keep giving myself.

Daniel ( of “lauren and daniel” ) is my son. He was one of four boys, and a model child. But —-the rogue kicked in late in high school. He suddenly had a strong desire to become the man he was made to be. Try handling a rogue teenager!!!! I think they all have a little non-compliance in them, but in the end, they turn into some pretty cool adults. BTW—I la-la-la-Love the pictures!!!!!

I wrote a novel in your holla back to this post yesterday. It was gone today. I’ll just send my hugs and support.

first, this is an amazing set. You are ON FIRE girl.
second, i love when parents are honest about how hard it is. For EVERYONE. You are not alone, trust me. And you are so wonderful. And so is Millie Billie Pants…that little Rogue Ballerina. Sounds like the perfect title for the most interesting memoir, if you ask me. :0)

I have four kids, the youngest is now 13, and my daughters were definitely the most hard headed of the four..and one of them is now 20, and she is a wonderful person who cares for elderly people in a nursing home..her stubborness allows her to get a job done, get on with it, and move forward..it is an extraordinary trait in a person, I think rather rare, and she never holds a grudge against anyone, she just moves forward….so, there are positives, trust me..that stubborn streak allowed my younger daughter, who is 14, to become a JV cheerleader as a freshman, because she is just bossy enough to try out when the odds are stacked against her…trust me, that stubbornness will pay off when she is older…have faith..just keep your eye on the prize..hugs to you!!!!

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for wirntig!

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