If "Stubborn" Had a Face...

...it would look like my son in this picture. On Sunday, Dave took the kids outside for a little winter fun. When it was time to come in, Cooper would not come. Now, let me explain something about my son...he can be stubborn just to be stubborn. Yes, we could have picked him up and hauled him in the house, but he would've screamed his head off until he figured out a way to get back outside. So, we just opted to let him stay out and come in when he was ready. He stood in the garage for 12 minutes. Every few minutes, I would open the door and ask him if he wanted to come in and the answer was always, "uh,uhhhh!" Eventually, in his own time, he came. So, here he is, wearing Daddy's hunting hat, with that stone cold look on his face that says, "I'm not budging."

Some may question my decision to let my 22 month old stay outside in 20 degree weather, all by himself, until he chose to come in. But, right or wrong, here is what I've learned about my strong willed children. Some things are just not worth the battle. I understand their need to feel some independence; to feel like they have some control over something. So, in the little things, I let them figure it out on their own. Layla may go out in public looking like she dressed herself and did her own hair, because she did. And, Cooper may have to fall off the same chair 10 times before he realizes why we tell him not to stand on it. This parenting thing is quite an adventure.....and I'm thankful to be on the ride.