A big thank you to The Hair Bow Company for sponsoring this post!!
When Oakland was born he was the sweetest little boy. He was so gentle, obedient, cuddly, and would literally do whatever he was told.
Fast forward to Ainsley. This little girl is wild, stubborn, hard-headed, and hates not getting her way. On the other hand she has the biggest heart for family and friends, she is so sweet, so personable, and really loves life!
She has given me a run for my money for sure. Parenting her has been totally different than parenting Oakland.
She can’t stand being told no. She will scream, fall on the floor, and respond with the biggest temper tantrums. I have learned that the way I respond plays a huge role in the outcome.
When she throws a huge fit I have to calmly respond to her and get down on her level. Even when I respond calmly she still seems to get mad and will continue to yell back. If I were to yell back it would only make the situation worse. She needs her mommy to hold her and explain to her that it’s going to be okay.
With being strong willed comes courage and a beautiful spirit. She is so brave and willing to try anything without assistance!!
She has also learned how to push my buttons and knows how to get my blood pressure up. This is something I am constantly struggling with. I don’t want to add fuel to her fire so I must remain calm and not yell back.
Like I said above she hates being told no. Having Ainsley on a schedule is super important but also giving her choices is also important too! I want her to feel empowered and be able to choose the outcome of a situation at times. She needs to understand though that she is not in charge. She wants to be heard so I listen. She wants me to see her point of view, even though she is only 3.5 so I listen.
Lace dress and floral crown c/o The Hair Bow Company
She has taught me so much through her personality and who God has made her to be. I can’t wait to see her mature and grow as she becomes a BIG SISTER. She can’t wait!! I see huge things down the road for this little girl!!
Skirt and socks c/o The Hair Bow Company Shoes c/o Livie & Luca
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We learn so much from them don’t we! Lily is definitely feisty in a totally different way then I have experienced with my oldest
Yes girl we do!!! Thanks for reading love!
I have one of these, too. My girl is sassy and oh so stubborn! And my oldest, Eli, sounds like Oakland. He’s a lover and so sweet.
Aw!!! Maybe the older ones aren’t strong willed? 😉 Eli sounds just like Oak!
Yes, you also described my first born. She threw a royal fit one morning before church and I was so flustered that I backed into a ditch into my yard. That was the day I decided I wasn’t going to let her little emotions control mine anymore. I get this
Aw!!! Their tantrums can definitely make us do things! I am so glad you get this!
You’re doing a great job & that girl is perfect just the way she is ❤❤ love her!!!
Thank you so much sweet friend!!!! I agree, God has made her sooo perfect! I just have to handle situations TOTALLY different with her than I do with O.
Oh my goodness, this is seriously my exact situation! My 6 year old son is so good natured, a total rule follower and a great listener. My 4 year old daughter is a free spirit, stubborn and so emotional….but she’s also a total sweetheart, kind and nurturing. Just like you, I have found that the way I handle her emotional outbursts is very important…staying calm and providing support works much better than threats and shouting (sometimes easier said than done!). Anyways, I totally get this and you’re not alone!! xoxo
That’s SO NICE to know other mamas are dealing with the exact same thing!!!!! Yes, learning to handle her has been so informative and helpful!!!!! xoxo thanks for reading mama!
I wonder if it’s something about the red hair… 😉 When I found out Blaire was breech, our doctor’s started telling us she was always going to be stubborn and would always do things her own way. She and Ainsley sound A LOT a like. She definitely has made me realize patience is not my strength and I pray every day for more patience for this crazy girl of mine.
That girl’s going to change the world one day!
Oh goodness, I can relate to this so much! My son is such a hot head at times and I definitely have to be careful how I talk to him during distressing times. He can be so incredibly sweet, thoughtful and helpful most the time, but tell him now or speak too harshly and it’s meltdown city. I know that this stubbornness will manifest itself as strength and determination as he gets older so I try to remember that in those challenging times.
My little girl is totally like this too! She’s the cutest, and I love her cute outfits!
You are the best mama to the sweetest, strong-willed girl! Love those hair bands, too!
Her personality is very similar to my sons (the little one) I’ve learned they are all different and the way you handle it with one might not work with the other one. Usually yelling or raising my tone makes it worse. Just like your daughter mine needs comfort and reassurance of mommys love and attention.
I wrote something similar about my Isabella! These girls are so feisty! Definitely keeps us on our toes!
How we react is so important but can be difficult. Great tips to give choices and getting down to her level! I’ll remember these as my little guy grows. You are such a wonderful mama!
These strong willed children sure do give us a run for our money! I love how you have figured out how to best respond and parent her, and that you recognize that God made her this way for a reason. You’re such a good mom!
Changing my behavior to change how my child reacts was hard for me. Eventually I figured out the best way to respond to lessen the tantrums or even stop them before they started.
You have such a beautiful blog! You’re such an inspiration!
My first born, Stellah, only 2, is holding her ground at being my little spit-fire. She is so fierce, wild and stubborn, but oh so loving all at the same time. It’s been hard for me to control most days, but apart of me is learning to embrace it. I know she’s only two, but I hope she keeps all of it for her future.
Thank you for your blogs, you have been such an inspiration.
Children today seem to be far more confident and, yes, strong willed than we were as kids. From the clothes they want to wear to what they’d like to eat, they’re good with decision making and being totally stubborn once they’ve made up their minds!
Wow sounds just like my Izzy! she is such a little Diva, does not listen and is stubborn! but really adorable! unlike my first born Aimee who is so calm and will listen to everything! how to children can be so different. I enjoyed reading your post and I like the pictures and your hair bows and band are nice. I agree staying calm is the best way to deal with the stubbornness!