Does anyone have a good way to explain the difference between the words "want" and "need" to a toddler (and a baby too... but I'm willing to give her the benefit of her age and not scream because she doesn't understand). Today seemed to be an all day battle over listening and responding to what I was asking. For example, I want to sleep later than 6:30 a.m., but it's not a need. And today it didn't happen since Abby decided to crawl into my bed, kick for about 30 minutes, and then loudly announce that she needed breakfast (which she consequently did not eat, so it must have been a want, not a need). I, personally, needed coffee. Not wanted... needed.
Then there is my favorite recurring dialogue:
Me: "Abby, do you need to go potty?"
Abby: "No, I don't want to."
Two minutes later she pees her pants (or worse...). We did this at least 3 times today. Apparently when I ask if she needs to go potty what she is hearing is more like "Abby if you want to use the potty that would make mommy happy, but you can also pee all over yourself and the floor since you are insisting on wearing big girl panties... your choice." Ugh!
Apparently "you need to take a nap" is also not translating well. Fortunately "stay in your bed or I will give you a spanking" was heard loud and clear, so eventually Abby did take her nap. Olivia... not so much. She is going to be one crabby baby later this evening.
2 comments:
Jen, This so sounds like my house:) Glad to know my kids are normal :) Have a great day!!!!
Yep, it's normal, and only last through the "two"s" if you win:) Somehow, I have a feeling you will win, she is much smaller than you:) they come with the "will" and it takes a while to find it. She is a smart cookie, she will find it:) Love you!!
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