There are times that I get really worried about my toddlers behavior. It’s her lack of impulse control, not listening and need to control every situation. I’m seeing more manipulative traits and my daughter seems to have an inner need to push the envelope. What she is showing me at 29 months stuns and shocks me... what will the future hold?


I have worked with children for many years and have never met a child like Livi. The Love I have for her is too immense to put into words. She frustrates me and I get frustrated with myself that I’m allowing a toddler to run circles around me.


What really upsets me off is when husband says stuff like "Lauri you just expect too much" or “You just want things your way.” Those comments are not helpful. I take his comments to heart and he is right to a point. I do have high expectations for her, if anything her teachers have encouraged me to expect more from her as she is very smart and capable.

I know much of what she is doing is typical toddler asserting her independence but there is something else, something so subtle and manipulative. Something I just can’t put my finger on.I wish I could find the words to explain the behaviors. It seems when I write them down they all just seem so typical. I guess it’s the intention and intensity behind the behaviors.


I will tell her not to do something and then redirect her or offer her another choice. I think that I am clear and she does it anyway even when she knows the consequence. Then she will laugh at me..... boy does that make my blood boil.


Her new thing is to be very concerned if her Father will be upset with her. We will be at the store and I tell her not to do something, she will question “or Papa will be very upset?" No Livi Mama will be very disappointed. She does not seem to worry if Mama is upset but lately is really concerned with Papa. That’s great my husband is not home during the day, I am and I want her to listen for me


Don’t get me wrong, Livi is a happy child. She shares, hugs, makes eye contact, and she is affectionate. She is the light of my life. I do believe she wants to behave; she just does not have that internal need to please that I see in most children. She is trying very hard and I’m praising each and every attempt. At this point these behaviors are 60% -40% . 60% well behaved 40% naughty, these numbers flip flop depending on our day.


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