Little Bug has reached a new level, I guess you could say…

Right after Christmas, I started noticing Little Bug start to exert her will. She knows what she wants and when she wants it.

It started with naptime and bedtime. She started saying, “Out” and “All done!” when I would lay her in the crib for nighttime sleep and naps. It was actually kinda funny and I found myself laughing at her.

Apparently she figured out she could perhaps negotiate herself out of having to sleep. Little Bug is a good sleeper (thanks to Babywise) but she has always had a strong curiosity of the world around her and I know she sleeps well only because of the consistency I have always made sure she has when it comes to sleep.

She knows when I lay her down in the crib, it is time to sleep. No questions asked. She just goes to sleep.

A few days after the start of 2011, she decided to see what would happen if she clung to me like a little koala bear instead of freely laying down like she always does, and saying “Out!” and “All done!”.

The first time she did it I did not waver one bit in our bedtime routine. I gave her my usual hugs, kisses and snuggles and then pried her off me, laid her down in the crib while telling her “night night” and found her the blanket and stuffed toy she likes to snuggle with. Then I walked right out of the room, saying “goodnight, Mommy loves you!” as I do every night and closed the door behind me.

Little Bug cried dramatic tears for about 5 minutes.

Then she went to sleep and I didn’t hear a peep from her until morning waketime.

Little Bug is also exerting her will in other matters.

My plan to handle this phase is to work on molding a submissive heart in Little Bug, while at the same time, letting her exert her independence and will by allowing her to have a choice in the matter when it is appropriate.

We shall see if this plan works!

- Elaine