Moms are from Venus, 4 year olds are from Mars

Sigh. Same thing with Taryn today - refusing to clear the table and get dressed. This time, the gentle and understanding approach was ineffective. So was anything else I tried. Ended up giving her a time-out on the stairs with a baby gate both behind her and in front of her so she couldn't have too much fun. Rob came in from mowing the lawn and told the girls they could come and help him wash the van, but Taryn had to clear the table and get dressed first. Then she decided to obey. No formulas to parenting, are there? Every day it seems I wake up to a different kid.

The thing is, it's more than about the chore. I want her to understand the heart issues: helping out is a way of loving. Wanting your own way can be selfishness. I talk to her about this stuff, but it's hard to say if she gets it.