Time out!

Potty training - Check!
Temper tantrums - Check!
Time outs - Check!

I've recently been giving Bella time outs when she is really stubborn and refuses to do what I ask.

Yes, I know I'm really stubborn and if you tell me to do somthing I will most likely refuse (if I'm irritated at you...), but I'm not TWO.  And I'm sure when i was two my mom put me in time out once or twice.

So, its been going great...She's actually only had to sit in time out three times total.  The very threat of it makes her scowl and say, "Ok mama."

Until tonight.

Me:  Isabella, we already read Sooo Big Elmo three times and I told you no more stories because its bedtime.

Bella:  No mama!  Nooooooooooooooo!

Me:  Yes, Bella.  Lets put the books away...

(imagine grown woman struggling desperately for control of Soo Big Elmo storybook with toddler when its very apparent toddler is winning the struggle.)

Me:  Bella!  Let mama have the book!

Bella: NO!

Me:  Do you want to sit in timeout?

Bella:  (thinks for a minute, unzips her pajamas and sticks Sooo Big Elmo inside) Yes Mama!

(Toddler jumps off couch and sits in her time out chair, happily removes Sooo Big Elmo from her pajamas and starts to read it again.)

Me: (laughing)  Ok, ONE more time...

I'm such a pushover.  I'll bet my mom was too.  No wonder I'm still so stubborn today.