Day 4: Charlotte

Charlotte is a warm, loving, free spirited, explorer, experimenter, problem solver, independent, single minded, endless energy child!
I love her endlessly, and am endlessly faced with challenges because of her temperment. As a 2 year old, we could not keep her in her bed long enough so she could realize she was tired. She was a classic Jack in th Box...and every evening I dreaded the routine of her coming out of her room. My reservoir of patience dried up. I was in tears over the frustration. I did not want my two year old to look like the enemy anymore.
I had teachers and family warn me against locking a child in their room. I felt horrible even thinking about it..but my gut was telling me I had to do something to save my relationship with Charlotte. A friend told me about the "door monkey" that keeps a door locked but open a few inches. I was still reluctant but also desperate. So I tried it. ( i know i'm beginning to sound like an infommercial.)
IT CHANGED MY LIFE. I know that sounds dramatic but it really did. Charlotte needed to be physically kept in one spot in order to relax and fall asleep. The first nap she cried for 15 minutes and fell asleep on the floor....but I didnt get angry at her and she didnt get yelled at and she got her rest.
A year later and I know my daughter even better now, and her problems with going to sleep was only the beginning of unveiling her strong will :)
Yes we still have the door monkey. Yes I use it almost everyday to navigate around her toddler behavior.
Her preschool teacher told me she will be a challenge, and you'll have to ramp up those parenting skills quickly.
But I have to look beyond the challenges, and see her. She is an amazing kid and a gift. If I allow myself to enjoy her, play with her, listen to her, let her be her, then I see her start to thrive.
I stay committed as her parent because she deserves the best of me.