My Kid is the Boss of Me

My mom always says, and I hate her for it, that "older" parents are so much more lenient than younger ones. We analyze too much and give in way too easily to our children's whims, tantrums and desires. While it's true that I do fall into the "older" parent category (I had my daughter at 35), I never in a million years thought I'd be a mom who had problems disciplining my child. Or rather, more specifically, that my child would be the "boss of me."

Well, guess what? She is. My daughter tells me to jump and I say how hi...she tells me to sit down, stand up, roll over, play dead. Seriously. Now, I don't know if it's just an age thing - she'll be 2 in July - but, often I feel like I have no control over her and that in my house, "no" does not mean "no". At least, not when it comes out of my mouth.

Don't get me wrong: I don't blame her for this. I think my lack of "strictness" comes from the perfect storm of working-mommy guilt and lack of self-esteem. Both of which, I spend many hours discussing in therapy. Regardless, it sometimes feels like a helpless cause to stand up to her, and just easier to sit back and let her have that second scoop of ice cream or watch another 3o minutes of television. Really, in the scheme of life, is it really such a big deal?

I know, I know. I have to set the groundwork now so she knows that she can't walk all over me or get whatever she wants whenever she wants it. Boundries, people, boundries. That's what its all about. If someone could help me establish them, I would be eternally grateful. The one thing i do know, is I would be this way whether I was 37 or 27, so mom, sorry, I think you're wrong about this one.

The Birthday Party Blues

L is turning two July 9. That's exactly one month from now. And, I (we) still haven't decided what we're doing to celebrate. At first, we agreed to do something small - a little party at the local playground with a few balloons, some cupcakes, and maybe, if we were feeling really crazy, some pizza. But, unfortunately, it seems that that's exactly what all of her other friends parents decided to do as well. At last count, we have received 5 invitations within a 4 week period for parties that will be taking place at the SAME PLAYGROUND. Now, being "original" is not a top-priority in my life, but come on, this is RIDICULOUS. How could I have L's party be #6 in the line-up? So now we're considering the unthinkable - NOT HAVING A PARTY. Even as I type those words, I can't accept that they could really be true. The thing is, I come from a family of partiers...Every holiday, birthday, long weekend, sunny day -- was an excuse to celebrate. So, the idea of NOT having a party is truly, absolutely, positively STRANGE to me. My husband says - "she's only 2 - she won't remember it anyway." But I will remember! And, be racked with guilt, shame and regret. Or will I? I guess that's the real question right now. Mommies out there in the blogosphere - any thoughts, suggestions and advice would be appreciated!