Nanny 911 Candidate?

Who would have thought that a two-year old could have so many vices? Arg! Chloe has grown attached to a few things I’d like to get rid of: Chapstick, Binky and the word “NO!”

Many years ago, as a teenager, I was warned about the addiction to Chapstick. I laughed. And, now – I’m kicking myself. Chloe is OBSESSED with chapstick. It started out as an occasional request; which has now morphed into this: “I need chapstick.” If her request is ignored she’ll have a quite dramatic meltdown. Last night I allowed her to possess a tube of chapstick, which she had stolen from my purse; and during the 20 minutes or so that she held it – she put it on, no less than 10 times. Somehow, I managed to sneak it away (ah! The brilliant undercover ops you learn as a parent). I wonder how quickly she’ll find another tube. Note to self: 1) google “chapstick addiction” 2) hide / relocate all remaining tubes of chapstick.

The fights over chapstick have been minimal in comparison to those over the Binky-boo. That’s right, Chloe still has a pacifier. A couple months back her Dad and I resolved to kick the binky habit… But, like many resolutions – we FAILED. ARG! Thankfully, on most days, I’ve whittled her “need” for the binky down to just night time (yes, she tells me she NEEDS binky-boo). But, we just can’t seem to kick it out completely. I know, this is mostly my problem. But, as a parent – I’m weak. There’s only so much screaming I can take before I just say to myself: “what’s an extra hour with the binky?” I credit most of this weakness to working full-time and being pregnant – admittedly, there are days that I wish I had a binky too (okay – being dramatic – but, clearly it helps her unwind – I’m looking for a figurative binky – which preferably does not include drinking or smoking – ewww).

She’s no exception. Just like every other 2-year old, Chloe LOVE the word “No.” She says “No” to everything! On especially bad days, I find myself arguing with her “No’s” By the end of the conversation, I’m flustered. And sometimes find myself starting the argument: “Well, I’m the mommy…” HA! It’s about that time I figure, she’s got me beat. And, my only recourse is time-out (which, honestly, is more for my sake than hers). I guess that’s what I get for being so stubborn: fate would have it that my child would be MORE stubborn than me. I’m open to suggestions on how to strike the word “No” from her vocabulary…

At any rate, I’m developing a plan: WAIT IT OUT! This must just be the norm for 2-year old girls. Meanwhile, I’ll just sit wondering if maybe I’m turning into a likely candidate for “Nanny 911…” OR wondering if I should just kick up my own chapstick, binky-boo and “No!” habit… That’ll teach her.