My Strong Willed Child

Hailey has always been strong-willed. Once she gets an idea in her head she doesn't let it go, no matter what. There have been times when I've told her no about something and she will cry, and cry, and cry. Usually it's when we're in the car and there's no escape! Sometimes I wonder how she even remembers what she was mad about in the first place. As I listen to her scream as we fly down the road (at the speed limit of course) trying to get home as fast as possible I wonder "Will this strong will take a positive spin in the future?" Well, today we got our first look at the positive result of her determination. Last weekend I took the training wheels off of her bike and ran behind her holding her seat so she could practice her balance. After about two tries of this she said, "Mommy, I don't want you to help me." Okay, I'm thinking there is no way she's going to be able to get this by herself but I just sit and watch, keeping my mouth shut. She pushed herself around with her feet, every once in a while trying to peddle but only getting about half a rotation before she lost her balance. This morning she tried coasting in our driveway and holding her feet up, which she did pretty well. So, this afternoon when she got home from school she wanted to try the bike again. Here's what happened...

What the heck do I know anyway? She didn't need my help! She completely taught herself to ride her bike in about 3 days. Go figure. Now if I can just channel that "will" into more positivity...like dishes and laundry!?!