Raising a 'spirited' child.

Strong-willed. Determined. Independent. Opinionated.
These are just some of the words you could use to positively described my almost 4 yr old.
Whatever you want to call it, there's no doubt that parenting her takes an extra measure (or ten!) of patience!


I don't know how many of you have children like this, but I am forever on the hunt for any tips, tricks, rountines etc. that may help make parenting my 'spirited' child easier, and make our household happier and run smoother!

I came across an article yesterday entitled 'How to raise a Spirited Child'.
Some of the tips they offered, we already employ, and it was reassuring to have that confirmed by somebody else. We've already found that giving Miss E notice of change, and sticking to a routine so she can anticipate what is coming, help immensely with her behavior. I also try not to get into situations that i know are going to end badly (like, shopping trips when she's tired). They also made a few suggestions that sounded interesting and that i plan to try out.
And i continue my search!

Do you have any tips for 'raising a spirited child' or just for a happier home in general? 

Terrific Toddlers - Where do i buy one??!

Today, like many other days recently, I have struggled to get my 2yr old, and 3 yr old to have a day sleep.
Bronte sleeps wonderfully still, perhaps because she hasnt realised there is any other option yet!
However, Elliott and Zoey sometimes adamantly refuse to sleep!
Now Elliott does quite fine without day sleeps 6 out of 7 days a week, but Zoey, on the otherhand, needs her beauty sleep! Without it, we end every day in constant sooking, tantrums and eventually, a toddler asleep face first in her dinner. Not really the result we're looking for!

Argh! So when todays attempt at a sleep ended the same as the last few days, i decided i needed to do something differently

"If you do what you've always done, You'll get what you've always gotten" 

I do remember a not so distant time, when my girls got along, and peace resided in our home, but lately, its been feeling like that was just a dream! Until I remembered what worked last time!
Now i dont know exactly how we strayed after the first round of revelation, perhaps it was adding a third near-toddler to the mix, but i do know that we can get back there!

So i pulled out my copies of Terrific Toddlers, and Terrific Toddlers 2 by Mel Hyde, and as soon as i started reading, all of that gold mine of information and techniques started pouring back!

Today is day one of having Terrific Toddlers again!
And even just in a couple of hours, I can see things working!