The Mihelich Blog: Our Magic Princess

Cora, Oh Cora, our strong-willed young lady. Lately she is trying to prove that she controls the world. It hasn't exactly been going her way. We've had a lot of temper tantrums, time-outs, and pouting around here lately, but that's okay, this too will pass.

Two weeks before school started for Reed, Cora started daycare with Reed, because she was going to take over his spot of two mornings a week. I thought she'd cry for me, but nothing really happened. She had seen Reed going there and loved it, so there wasn't really a problem. Yesterday, (Reed's 3rd day of preschool and her 2nd day alone at daycare) was a rough one for her. We dropped Reed off first, the girls and I. Kate was in the sling and Cora was walking. When we got to Reed's classroom, Cora didn't want to leave. She threw a big fit, wailing, "I want Reedy!" repeatedly. She wouldn't budge. Normally, I would throw her over my shoulder (metaphorically) and get out of there as quickly as possible. I was wearing Kate and she would be smashed by a kicking and flailing big sister if I tried this. I was pretty embarrassed, feeling like the weak mother who couldn't control her toddler. After coaxing her outside the school and eventually to the car, we then headed to daycare.

We sat in the car for a bit while she cried for Reed, but when she calmed down we headed inside. She immediately clung to me saying, "I want you!" Sue, the provider, said she'll cry for a few seconds after you go and then she'll be fine. So I left. I got a text from a friend who was there dropping her child off shortly thereafter that she did in fact calm down quickly.

When Reed and I went to pick her up at noon, she ran to me and said, "I missed you!" and quickly gave Reed the biggest hug ever and said, "Reedy, I missed you!" and clung to him lovingly. It was sweet to see how much he means to her. I hope, however, that she quickly will see that it is fun to play at daycare and she can have her own special play time. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.