I don't want to do it mom, but little one you too can do hard things. 

A mother came in our boutique the other day and went on and on about how cute our dresses and pant set combos are, which we much appreciate, I mean we know the stuff is oh so cute LOL, but when someone else tells us it is, it warms our heart ....then she went on to say, I sure wish my daughter would wear dresses she won't; I then asked "oh, well how old is she?" She's 3; first statement that came to my mind was oh but darling you can do hard things. 

When a toddler gives push back on an every day item how do you respond? Do you get upset and just move on or frustrated you spent the money on the outfit or maybe it was a gift and she is "refusing" to wear it, maybe its not a battle you want to have, which I completly understand, I've been there, but momma you ARE doing hard things, parenting is hard, so why not remind our tiny's they too can do this and it will all be okay.  Just a thought, getting low down on their level, telling them I understand what your are saying, I don't like wearing dresses everyday either, but you are so beautiful and I can't wait for you to show Nana what a big girl you are for wearing this pretty outfit.  We've reminded them we here them, we've gotten on their level no towering over them, we've normalized it but letting them know we too don't like these things at times and then we praised them, showed them how even more amazing they can be and how we love them no matter what either way.  

Now I hear you, you are saying those words, "well I"m sorry I am busy and this is not that big of a deal to me, I am not going to fight over this outfit just to get her to wear a dress". sure I get it, however what if it is for her safety, or her well being like a hat and coat, or maybe its a requirement like a uniform or needed to be dressed up for church or a special dinner.  When we remind them everyday they can do it, we know they can, then when its a much bigger ask, or more of a stress like for their safety the thought is hopefully they will hear mom's words, but little one you too can do hard things. 

Parenting is hard, and you are doing a great job of it, keep up the hard work, lets help our tiny humans suceed in life as well by first reminding them we love them so much and they can be whatever they want to be by doing hard things. 

Have a great day eveyone.