Emma the Explorer

Look at that sweet face.  How could anyone ever say no to that??

Try telling those big blue eyes she can't have everything she wants...

Emma will be two in June, but the "Terrible Twos" have already arrived my friends.  Oh yes, and with a vengeance.  That sweet little face turns gruesome within a matter of milliseconds.  (Ironically have no pictures of that.)

For starters, Emma is not shy, nor does she like being contained.  So all you Mamas that have sweet little babies that cling to your leg, sit in your lap contently, or just all around angels in public, count your blessings!  My kid on the other hand, screams - no squels - when she's strapped into a high chair, held back from running into the street, or asked to sit quietly in Mommy's lap. 

No - she wants to run, play, explore!

While I appreciate that I have an adventurous daughter, it does make for some stressful outings.  And of course that Mommy Guilt kicks in and you start thinking this is your fault, that maybe you should discipline her more so she behaves in public.  There's the sting of the "looks" you get in restaurants when she lets out a toe curling squeal simply because I said, "NO, you can't play with the knife."  (How dare I??)

As I embark on this journey of Toddlerhood, I know one thing.  I don't want "NO" to be the only thing my kid hears from me.  I am so glad she is exploratory, investigative, audacious!  (Nice vocab use, ah?)  I don't want to give her so many boundaries, be so controling of her that she never learns self-reliance.  [Insert mental image of 30 year old living in their parents' basement.]

But at the same time, I don't want her to be the head honcho around here.  She's the kid, we're the parents.  We know what's best -- period.  Sorry kiddo...  But how on earth do you discipline a such a strong-willed child?  Heaven help me, Time Out is going to be my friend...