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 When your children are little and they start making sounds, it's so cute. I loved the babbling and the first sounds. And of course, the first time they say, "Mommy" and "I love you", it's amazing.

Then they get older. And they start saying things like, "Relax, Mom. Just....relax." (And it's funny, I know, and it's probably just me, but whenever someone says that to me? It doesn't make me relax!)

Anyway, my two older boys are both going through a phase of trying out new language and testing their independence. And it's really ... testing me.

Today I said to my middle son, in a nonchalant - even sweet - tone, "Honey, you forgot to close the garage door behind you. Can you please close it?"

And you know what he said? To his mother? He said, "Don't judge me, woman!"

This is my seven year old. He's in grade two! Where does he get this stuff?

Of course, this IS the boy who was recently saying things like, "Get me a bagel, lady!" and "Where's my coat, woman?"

He does it as a joke; he is smiling when he says these things, looking for my reaction.

So I try not to overreact. You're the parent. You have to be a good role model. You may WANT to, but you can't really say, "Just watch me judge you, mister! I am ALL OVER judging you!" No; sadly, these things can only be said in your head.

But I have explained to him very patiently that although I do not answer to 'woman', 'supreme commander' is okay. I have discussed with the boys that I brought them into this world and that they need to treat me with respect. Sometimes I go into the fact that I gave birth to them and breastfed them, and strangely enough this is when they look at me like they're wondering when I will stop talking. And that it better be soon. I'm not sure what THAT'S about.

My oldest son is also trying out his role as an older child who can make more decisions. And I believe in picking your battles. But unfortunately he has some kind of aversion to wearing anything warm during the wintertime. I will say to him in my nicest voice, "Honey, we're going outside. Can you please wear..." He won't even wait until I'm done my sentence, he'll just yell, "NO!"

So that's going well.

And then my five year old daughter the other day? I asked her to please have another bite of her carrot, and she said, "I already ate my carrot, Mom! OWNAGE!"
Ownage? Really?

Can we please go back to the cute babbling? Now?

Jennifer Dunlop Jormakka
Blog: When Do I Become Competent Again?

http://whendoibecomecompetentagain.blogspot.ca/