Life with a 5 Year Old

Gracie has been 5 now for a month and a half. All I have to say is Holy Heck, what happened to my sweet little girl?  Seriously, our sweet little girl is now showing her not so sweet self lately. Now most of the time she's good. She's great at school and good (majority of the time) when we are out in public. But when we are home, the wrath of Gracie has come out.

She may look sweet and innocent but let me tell you- if this is what her teenage years are going to be like I am SO THANKFUL WE ARE HAVING A BOY AND NOT ANOTHER GIRL! I think God knew just what we needed and could handle :) Especially me!

As we go through the process of raising a 5 year old we are learning too. I am with her the most because now my afternoons/evenings are spent with her right at my side. Kelly works late and tutors in the evenings so she's attached to me. Even when he does come home she stays at my side.  My many years of teaching have given me prior knowledge on this. I had many  parents that could not believe how good I said their child was when they said how awful they were/are at home. My thoughts were maybe they are so good during the day at night they take it out on Mom. Maybe this is what is happening here. Not sure. She's just really into getting her way and wanting what she wants, when she wants it. I feel like all day I'm saying "No,!" and "Stop that." and "You are going to time out"- all day. She's been more in time out the past few months then she has her whole life. She pouts, whines, and does not take my first or 30th "NO" for an answer.

My realization is that she needs more discipline. It's very hard not to laugh at her when she says something naughty or does something bad. It's just funny. We don't know where she comes up with the stuff she does and says. Kelly and I don't always agree on parenting ideas either. I tend to be the one that disciplines her because I"m with her more.There are times when she's full of sweetness. She gives me 10,000 hugs a day and kisses my belly at least a dozen times a day. She has a very sweet, innocent side.

Don't get me wrong, I love my little girl to pieces. She makes me laugh, smile, and sometimes cry! I'm glad she has a personality and knows what she wants. I'm happy that she loves life and can show all kinds of emotions. I just wish she'd learn to control her emotions and learn that NO means NO!

I love you Gracie! I sure hope this is just a little phase and you are testing your Mommy to see how much I can take. But you are wearing me out girl!