This week has been the strong-willed child versus the stronger-willed mommy. I've tried all sorts of motivational incentives the past few weeks including a rewards system, picture charts, praise, bribery, and the list goes on. But unfortunately for my SWC the only motivation she responds to is the kind she can feel on her behind. Dr. Dobson is a very smart man. I should've read his books three years ago. It took an eye-opening statement from L's occupational therapist to get me reading Dobson's Strong-Willed Child. In a nutshell this is what she said, "You might want to read Dobson's Strong-Willed Child. I think that's the cause of most of L's issues. She refused to let me help her today. She said 'I'll do it!' on several occasions even when she was really struggling. She's definitely striving for independence even though she is entering that phase a little late." In a nutshell this is what I heard: "Please, for the love of God, get a copy of Strong-Willed Child. Your stubborn child needs some good old-fashioned butt-whoopin'. If I, a paid professional who has been working with children for over 20 years, cannot get your 3-year-old to cooperate then this child needs to be whipped into shape." Of course, I'm only kidding. L's OT is a very sweet, and very hepful person. She is great with children and really great with L. And what's really amazing is that L loves her very much. L will tell you that she is one of her favorite people. So really, if she can't motivate L, then that tells me that nobody can...except me and her daddy with a little brute force.
Daddy picked up two copies of the book so that we can read it together and discuss. I'll keep you posted.