Stubborn DD

kmhunt11

This may be another "it is what it is" issue.  DD is stubborn beyond all definitions and explanations.  When she was in preschool at 2.5 she was an angel and a teacher's dream.  She was out of school for the spring and summer because we moved and had to wait for the new school year to start.  Now all I hear from her teachers are "Well, she certainly is stubborn!"  I don't get specifics, and it hurts to not hear how sweet she is and smart she is.  I guess it sounds like a "me" issue that I feel the need to hear those things, but that's neither here nor there at the moment.  She's stubborn at home, but was always agreeable and compliant for other adults.  Now, with the reports I'm getting from school I feel like I should be doing something about it, but really don't know what.  I raised her to be independent because I feel strongly that independent kids are self-motivated and self-confidant.  It also was pretty much a given with her gene pool  I don't want to break her of being independent, but want to work on the stubborness. Suggestions?  We talk about how it's important to listen to adult's first request, but she's 3.5- it doesn't seem to carry over to practice.  At home, if she doesn't follow my first request I lead her to what I want her to do and guide her in doing it.  DH tries to do this, too.  Other than being very and consistent, does anyone have any suggestions?  Books, activities, ways of making my point clear and lasting?  Thanks!

 

katie 

KathrynMD

meh - this sounds pretty typical to me.

I would ask the teachers if they think she's more stubborn than her peers.  Maybe the new teachers are just less puppies and rainbows about the kids in general and you are taking it more personally.

kmhunt11

Sounds likely.  Her lead teacher is a man and doesn't seem to know what a puppy or a rainbow is.  Also, I take things way too personally and am still struggling with the concept that my little one isn't perfect.  Why in the world would I expect her to be?  She just was for so long, and now she's most assuredly not  And I'm pregnant and thus over-emotional to begin with.  Back to it's a "me" issue.  Thanks for the feedback!