To say this current phase has been trying on us is an understatement. This girl is passionate and independent-minded. When her passion is thwarted or her independence smothered, we will hear about it--as a matter of fact, I think the whole neighborhood will hear about it!
This summer Clementine and I have been taking a Mommy & Me Class at one of the local community colleges here. It's the best thing I ever could have done for us. Our instructor has given me SO many helpful tips, a ton of encouragement and a whole file folder of ideas to try with Clementine.
The first one I grasped onto fit right into our philosophy; give Clementine "chores" and praise the bejesus out of her when she completes these jobs. The idea is that by highlighting what she is doing well, she will want to keep doing well...you get the idea. She was already sweeping (har har), now she has started to help vacuum, fold laundry and pick veggies.
Her most favorite new chore is feeding the dog each night. The first few nights the food just got dumped on the floor (Jack didn't mind one bit) and a few pieces of kibble were taste tested but Clementine has worked at it and now she can get most of the pieces in the bowl. Not only that, she likes to serve as cheerleader while Jack eats his dinner. She rubs his back and talks to him while he eats! Love this girl!
Up until now, we've really tried to keep Clementine's toys gender-neutral. I could say a lot on this issue, but I'll summarize. I didn't want to buy Clementine dolls (or a kitchen, broom, vacuum, etc.) but she clearly loves being a little mommy. I begrudingly bought her a doll last week. *sigh* Clementine loves her doll and that's all that matters.I asked Clementine what she would like to name her doll and she told me "VanillaMommyDaddy."
I LOVE THIS GIRL!!!
Here is my beautiful girl burping VanillaMommyDaddy after her bottle
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