(For what it's worth, I haven't felt like writing much lately. October was a rough month, and November seems smoother so far, but the time change and the coldness and the darkness and all that isn't really working in my favor. I was all set to do National Novel Writing Month but realized very quickly that my story idea had some fatal flaws that would prevent me from actually letting anyone I know read it. I have ten thousand unfinished projects, including approximately six half-knitted socks and a stack of mending. It's a good day if I can get through my morning tea without feeling stabby. This blog is the least of my concerns.)
So Molly turned six last week, and six seems to be the new thirteen, because a more surly, snotty, moody kid I have never encountered outside of a middle school. In lieu of a party we decided to have a City Day, complete with trip to the newly opened Academy of Sciences, and she slunk around like she was being tortured the whole time. She threw some serious 'tude later that evening at dinner, too.
Today after a playdate she made a list called Things I Don't Want (a counterpart to her Christmas list, I guess) and the number one thing on the list? Mothers.
If she only knew how often I'm tempted to make that a reality for her. I'm sick to death of trying to keep her from breaking her little sister's spirit, not to mention her neck. I'm completely over the task of managing simple tasks like bedmaking and shoe-putting-away. I would be happy to know I'd packed my last lunch, especially if it didn't come home with a rude remark about how it wasn't what she wanted. And if I had only my own laundry to avoid doing, what a wonderful world it would be.
I know what this is about, of course. It's the curse. It's the "I hope someday you have a daughter just like you", only with a twist: I didn't get thirteen years to prepare myself, I got blindsided after six.
The solution is obviously to pack her up and UPS her to Grammy. And after the way she got smart with her auntie this weekend, I think Grammy's in for a wild ride.
Oh god. My daughter is 2.5 and she yelled "NO" at me for the first time today. I was horrified and I didn't know what to do (she's my first and only child:). I reassured myself by saying that her attitude would surely pass before her third birthday. Should I worry that this might be a cyclical thing?? Lol.
Cheers anyway. I like your blog!~
Posted by: Melissa | November 12, 2008 at 05:12 AM
My daughter is 8 years old and yes, I saw this change about 6 too. It hasn't gotten better. We work with it all the time and she knows what's expected of her, so some days are better than others. I read in the new Dr. Spock Baby and Childcare book that this is normal for 6 to 11 year olds and that it's part of their trying to claim their independence. He doesn't come up with any good advice on how to handle it. I just keep sending her to her room to sit on her bed or put her nose up against a wall. Anything to keep her out of my hair for a few minutes so I can calm down. Hang in there.
Posted by: Heather | November 13, 2008 at 03:33 PM
I believe this new "13" is because kids are allowed to watch TV all the time and they watch shows that are to mature for them. I think they then come to school with this attitude and share it will all their friends whose parents DON'T let them watch whatever they want.
Just look at the shows. They are jammed packed with attitude and kids think they are entitled. It used to happen at 13 but now our babies think they ARE 13. You can send me that munchkin any time you want to. She might not like me much afterwards. But she is welcome to come.
Posted by: Grammy | November 14, 2008 at 03:12 PM
I KNOW JUST WHAT YOU MEAN! IT WILL PASS AND I AM PROOF OF THAT. I'M STILL HERE. ALL MOMS HAVE TO GO THRU THIS. IT IS THE RIGHT OF PASSAGE TO THEIR ADULTHOOD. IT IS HOWEVER TOO BAD THAT IT IS HAPPENING SO MUCH YOUNGER. IM JUST GLAD I'M OVER IT. OH, I STILL GET THE ATTITUDE, BUT I'M NOW OLD ENOUGH TO HANDLE IT.
YOUR GRANDMA LOOKED GOOD BUT SEEMS A LITTLE WEAKER THAT A MONTH AGO WHEN I WENT TO SEE HER. SHE NEEDS PICTURES OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOR THE BULLITIN BOARD WE PUT ON HER WALL.LOVE AUNTIE N
Posted by: Auntie Nancy | November 15, 2008 at 12:30 PM
So sorry. I had hoped you could avoid this stage. Both Emma and Reed have gone through the 1st grade moodiness phase - it comes on really strong and I believe it is a school influence. You will find that your regular kid may show up next June when school is out. Hopefully you will all survive until then. Just keep telling her "don't talk to me that way!" and "be nice to your sister!". Eventually it may work.
Posted by: Susan P. in Ohio | November 15, 2008 at 07:01 PM
I'll take her! We're already on the same page with Nathan...the rest would probably be gravy.
Posted by: Kat | November 24, 2008 at 11:41 AM