At the Brink of the Terrible Threes

Most of us have heard age three can actually be worse than two. You see, my daughter is about to turn three, and I'm afraid we're just rounding the corner to the really wild rapids. Now, I know we've had it somewhat easy, two was really not all that bad for us, so maybe it's just our turn for the terror. Which, in the past month or so, she has become a bit of.

I'm thinking one reason for this delay, is that she didn't really get her vocabulary going until almost 17 months. Which, that could stem from having been a preemie, not that I constantly blame that for every little thing that goes wrong. Certainly not now, as she has caught up well, even somewhat ahead in some areas. This would also include that delayed vocabulary. Ah, yes, she has learned well to use it to her advantage (or so she thinks), and often.

"I say no!!" (said in response to many requests)
"Don't say thaaat!" (usually in response to most verbal punishments) "I not take a baaaaff (bath)!"
"It's not yours!" (her way of saying "mine")
"I don't like it sleep!" (heard most nights moments after being laid down)
"I want my chocolaaaate!" (thanks to mimi for this one)
"Kissie ____?" (blank is usually filled with something she wants, yes, she's learned to bribe)
"I not change a diaper!" (not wanting to be changed; potty-training has been sketchy thus far)

Her determination and/or refusal to do many things on her own have become many a battle of the wills. She's yet to fully grasp the meaning of consequences for her actions. So, threats of punishment and/or repo'ing of items (like the bath toys that are now in a cabinet for refusal to pick up) are not retained for future battles.