"I want to do it myself"

Natalie decided she wanted to put her own jammies on Sunday night. Joe and I were watching TV around her bedtime, and she told us that she wanted to put her "Dora" on (she loves her new Dora the Explorer pajamas). Joe tried to help, but she kept telling him "No, daddy. I want to do it myself." She go her pants off, no problem, but had trouble with the shirt. I don't know what was funnier, watching her try to pull the shirt off from the bottom, getting stuck in the shirt, or Joe and me trying to explain to her that it would be easier to get her arms out first

Putting her pajama shirt on was just as funny, as she had her head and an arm out of the neck of the shirt. But she managed to put her own jammies on with very little assistance from Mommy or Daddy.

Miss independent, for sure!

And while she's always been a Mommy's girl, the last month or so, she's gotten particularly vocal about not wanting daddy to help her with much of anything. She'll throw a fit when he tries to change her diaper or change her clothes, even if I'm there with them. And forget about bathtime. I'm not sure if it's because she realizes gender differences already, or just because she's so used to me doing those things with her. But it sure hurts his feelings when she won't let him do little things for her!

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Comment by Victoria Allen on February 4, 2010 at 10:14am: Natalie is the same way. She starts to get upset or throw a fit if you help or do something for her she wants to do herself. I usually tell her not to cry, that it's ok. But it does get frustrating, especially if you're running late and they insist on putting their socks or shoes on by themself. On the plus side, she often remembers where things are and is great at finding things Joe misplaces. LOL. She's also getting picky about what she wears in the morning, tho she's been pretty sensible so far. Good luck with your independent little man!

Comment by Michelle Evans Jarrell on February 4, 2010 at 10:06am: Camden is the same way! In fact, I often forget about his growing need for independence and make the collosal mistake of opening the door for him, or as it was this morning, finding his tennis shoes. He wanted to find his own shoes. Of course, I was just trying to help speed up the process (like any parent with good intentions). When I presented his shoes, he screamed and fell into the floor with the biggest tears I have ever seen. I often try to tell him that we don't have to get so upset about shoes or doors, but he can't yet see past his emotions to work those things out. My patience is wearing thin, but I am trying to remember to stop and breathe so I can teach him how to repsond when we are feeling upset. As it is now, everything upsets him because he wants to do everything on his own. I'm sure it will get easier...