Picking Your Battles

As a parent of a toddler every action can be a cause for a fight. You say Yes, they say NO, You say eat more, they say all done. That is why it is important to decide which things you are going to take a stand on and which things you are going to "let slide".
JD is 2 and has a very strong personality. We have, luckily, not yet experienced the terrible two's but he does now very clearly state his opinions and preferences. My husband and I have discussed, as all parents should, which things we will make an issue of and which things we will "let slide". These are personal decisions and ones that not everyone in your family and/or social group will agree with so be sure that you and your significant other are on the same page for your sanity and the sake of not confusing your children. And be sure to strongly state these decisions to any caregiver or family member who might challenge these decisions. It is up to you if you want to explain the reasoning behind the choices you have made and probably in your best interest if you want them to understand, even if they don't agree, why you made that choice. For instance.
JD is very attached to his mema (pacifier) he still loves to have it. He doesn't have a lovey or a stuffed animal that he carries around but instead relies on his mema to make him feel calm and content. My husband and I have decided that if he asks for it then he feels he needs it.We do, however take it away if we see him just playing with it and if he doesn't put up a fuss, the mema disappears until he asks for it again. Sometimes we tell him no and he is OK with that and sometimes he chants mema mema and he gets it back. He is not allowed to have it when playing outside and if we forget he comes to us with his mema stating "no memas outside" a phrase that we say every time we take it from him on our way out to play. If he is outside and asks for it he is given the choice to stay outside without his mema or go inside to have it. Depending on his level of need, then JD makes the choice. Someday he will not need or want his mema. We know he won't go to preschool with it but until then, taking away the mema is not a battle we want to fight.

Everyday there are these challenges or battles of will with your child. Making the choice not to battle every challenge you are faced with will either make or break your day so choose what matters most; whether its finishing a plate of food, bedtime routines, TV/play time, those choices are up to you and your significant other as to what is best for your family unit so talk it out and stick to your guns when challenged and you will have a happier home for it.