So...moms of little girls...when would you say that the drama began? Because for the last month Annabeth has started to rev up her little diva engine. I have to admit that it's pretty funny at this point. I know I won't be laughing about it once we're having honest to goodness toddler tantrums, but for now it gets me tickled.
What happens is this: when she gets mad and I'm holding her upright, she'll throw her head and her whole self backwards and do a fake-ish, melodramatic cry. If I were to let go of her during an episode, she'd do a back dive onto the floor. When she gets upright, she recovers for a few seconds and does it again. When she gets mad and happens to be laying down, she arches her back, gets really stiff, and flops around on the floor.
I literally just laughed out loud when I typed that.
When Jackson, Ella and Ava were babies, the girls' cries would sometimes make me giggle. No one wants their friends laughing when their baby is crying, but that was me. I just couldn't help it - their cries were so girly and dramatic. Jackson did more than his share of crying and fussing, but the tone was different. Maybe you know what I mean.
It always, always, always amazed me to see how Jackson and the girls did things differently from such a young age. There are definitely huge differences between boys and girls that are just innate in their being.
My own baby girl has not fallen short in the girly cry department. Her dramatic, pitiful wails have given me plenty of opportunities to giggle. I have to write this now because in six months - and especially not twelve - I probably won't be laughing anymore.
I have to give a shout out to Kelly today because she was talking about Harper being a drama queen when she eats and it reminded me that I've been wanting to document Annabeth's mini-tantrums. I love it when I read her or another mom's blog and she happens to be writing about something I can relate to even that day. It's so much of why we blog, isn't it?
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I have 3 girls, so there is no shortage of drama here! My oldest is not very dramatic, but my second one is all over it!!! I don't know what to do with her sometimes. I'm a first born myself so my 2nd daughter is really throwing me for a loop. My 3rd daughter has her days, but still doesn't hold a candle to daughter #2. If you come across any helpful advice I would love to know!
BTW, we have 4 children all together. God blessed us with a boy finally. Definitely a night and day difference from the girls. He's super easy compared to them. :)
Am I the most terrible mom in the world that I kept feeding her squash just so we could watch her make a face and scream and so we could laugh??? It was just making us laugh so much! And I DAILY tell her "Oh, sweet girl, you are going to give me fits I can just tell".
Teaching 3 & 4 year olds in Sunday School and Choir - I have always been amazed at how early you can see such HUGE differences in girls and boys. God truly made us different for a purpose. :-)
Storey is so dramatic it is unbelievable. I really thought I had a few more years before it would begin, but we are already dreading her teenage years!! I agree-so much different than the boys!
Go ahead and laugh, and don't feel bad about it at all! It IS funny!
Oh, do I know drama. Just wait until she is old enough to have opinions about her wardrobe.
Girly drama starts very early. My Becca was very manipulative (and she still is to some extent - she is a girl after all) ;) She is now 4 and a lot of times we have her inner diva rearing it's ugly head, but it's gotten better, especially when I started parenting her with this motto in mind "What's cute at 3 (or whatever age) is not going to be cute at 13, 15 or 18." It's my job as her mom to teach her that self control. One thing she does now is talk with a snotty attitude, we tell her all the time "It's not what you say it's how you say it."
Having a son first (my two are 3 years apart) left me wondering how much was gender related, how much was temperament and how much was being a 2nd child. We said Becca was so demanding because for so long she had 3 people (mommy, daddy and brother) giving into her every whim because she was just so cute and a fussy baby.
My prayers go out to you as you deal with your little diva. Praise the Lord you are her mommy and you get to teach her how to get a little self control.
And this post is totally relatable to my life...and since we welcomed a SECOND dramatic little gal into our home almost 2 months ago, I am SO THERE! I thought our son was dramatic, but the girls put him to shame. Our oldest daughter does one AMAZING dramatic pout often accompanied by a throwing of herself on the sofa, the ottoman, the floor, or whatever is close by. At this point, I'm still laughing; however I am quickly sobered when I catch a brief glimpse of her at 12.
That is so funny! I have 2 boys and 2 girls, and you are correct, they are different from the moment they are born!!
I don't remember when I first noticed girl drama, but probably definitely before their 1st birthdays...well, with the first one, and way. The second girl is my littlest, and she had a less drama filled babyhood than baby number 1, but her girl drama has been emerging over the past 2 years. She'll be 3 in a couple weeks, and I am curious to see what drama lies in store for the year ahead.
And I am with you; it cracks me up, too, and I have to often hide my head and laugh to myself.
I am the youngest of three girls (my mom had three under three) and I am pretty sure we were dramatic babies, toddlers, children, and - yikes - teenagers!!!
And, yes, I love reading other people's blogs. It's a great place to glean ideas, weigh in on opinions and share a laugh - like, that's really funny about Annabeth's dramatic fits. Hang in there! And, yes, if Neil did that, it just wouldn't seem right! He does cry and complain, but in a manly man way. Ha!
I thought with only having boys the drama would escape me. Oh how I was wrong! My oldest has drama often. Drama about what to eat, what to wear, and on and on. I am just waiting for the youngest to kick in:)
Oh yes yes yes...I have a two 1/2 year old son and then my daughter is 14 months. I have never seen anything like it! Yesterday at church in the nursery, our director had to keep her the whole time because she madea reputation of herself by coming in mad, not sad mind you, and throwing herself on her belly and kicking her arms and legs while screaming and then rolling around. Whoa. I am going to have major issues when she is a teenager is what I am afraid of! Our sweet director said, "I have met my match. It would do you good if you laid the down who is the boss now..." And how does that work? I'm not quite sure how to lay that down!! :) Good luck! I know I will be able to relate as you post more on this...PS My son has just started that trying time that you went through with Jackson and I got to the point where I was thinking whoa what have I done wrong?! I remembered back when you wrote on it and I told myself it's just a phase it too will pass!! So thanks for always sharing!
All I know, is if it continues up until they're six (like it had for my dramatic girlie)...and if it's really obnoxious, one way to help stop it is to take out the video camera and film the whole tantrum...and then make her watch it. I had to do that 3 weeks ago, and my daughter is definitely still girly, but the drama that borders on being a "female manipulation tactic" is over. I don't know if it's because she saw in the video how ridiculous this behavior truly is, or if it's because she's scared to death I'll post it on Facebook :) --but either way, hallelujah, at least for now, the drama around here has settled down substantially.
Oh boy is my daughter full of drama and she's only 11 months. She definitely does the throwing the head back and screaming thing. Then she'll just stop and be fine haha. It does make me laugh right now but it wont be so funny much longer. She is also SUPER strong willed and lets you know immediately when something is not going exactly how she would prefer. Sheesh! Are girls just much more high maintenance than boys or is it just how my little girl is? haha
Mine will be 9 in November & it's worse than ever. I'm told it never gets better (until they're adults).
I give out sympathy regularly if needed.
Oh Amanda, if someone had tried to prepare me for the amount of drama Jillian throws out on a daily basis I would have laughed in their face. Now, I laugh in Jillian's face. She has mastered the art of fit throwing and feels comfortable to show her mad skills anywhere...Old Navy, Grocery Store, friends houses, Hallmark...the list goes on. I have become "that mom" that people stare at and think, "Oh, that mom, that mom right there holding that beautiful, screaming, flailing little baby girl, she doesn't know how to control that drama!"
I just let the fit runs it course and take her to another room if it starts to affect Gage.
We were all talking the other day about this too. Especially when they start throwing a drama queen tantrum and stop when you walk out of the room just to start back up when they know they have your attention!
My 6yo daughter is very dramatic. It's all beginning, Amanda, I'm afraid. Sometimes I still laugh at my girl because she can be SO dramatic sometimes.
Wait til she is ten...or thirteen. Toddler hood is just the warm-up!
Love reliving those sweet days on your blog!
Oh my daughter started doing that same dramatic fit about 8 months old maybe. She threw her head back and gave me a fake cry. We laughed then too, but yeah now we don't. She's 16 months and throws fits for just about anything she doesn't get her way. She has an older brother and he never did this. He threw fits but not like she does. We are already dealing with the clothes fights. She just about throws a fit everytime I put clothes on her. But if I let her pick out her clothes she is better about it, but not great. I am shocked how early it has happened.
Oh Amanda, it DOES start that early! I laugh as I think back to the different drama stages that Emerson has been through. She DEFINITELY went through the arching back tantrum phase...there were so many times that I almost dropped her. She also went through a lay down on the floor and kicking her legs tantrum phase- Nice:) Currently it is the walk over to a wall and lay her head against it while pitifully crying phase. It is hard not to laugh at this one because it is so pitiful.
On the opposite hand, girls are wonderful for so many reasons. They may be the most dramatic, but it also means they are the most positively dramatic too. When she starts playing babies, and tea party and dress up- you won't be able to stand the cuteness.
Good Luck!
Oh yes! My Emma is 10 months and I just blogged about her being a drama queen. I can definitely see the emotional side of her. She'll get so mad and just scream, then two seconds later she's as happy as ever.
Some of my babies did that but PG it didn't stick. I have a bunch of girls and very little drama, if any, from any of them. This is something I wish I knew when they were babies b/c I had assumed all sorts of things about them b/c of their behavior. I was wrong. So wrong. It seems like you're having fun w/ it but I was SCARED. Satan would paint a picture of my future and I would get into agreement w/ him. The Lord had to teach me to get into agreement w/ Him. He taught me love always believes, always hopes. That changed where I went w/ my thoughts when I saw tantrums/disobedient behavior. That's when I could let myself giggle behind the scenes. I'm glad to see you're already smiling.
How I handled tantrums: If the baby/toddler was upset I would hold them/restrain them in my arms or take them to them to their crib depending upon their age/where I was or how dramatic the tamtrums were. If it was the crib I would stand beside the crib or a few steps away depending upon the child. (And no this did not mess up the way they viewed their crib/slept in it). If it was my arms I would simply hold them to me the best I could. Then I would wait for the child to calm himself/herself down. I try to verbalize (between sobs) what I was doing. I would say, "You can't do this. No, no, no." I would use a super calm voice. I then waited patiently and as soon as the child calmed himself/herself down I say, "Are you ready to get down/out?" I would be so proud of them and verbalize that the best I could. Seeing them calm themselves down was such a joy.
I saw this as an exercise to help teach them self-control. They had to calm themselves down in order to be restored their freedom. Six childen but never any tantrum problems after age two and very few in the second year. Let's give God some praise b/c it didn't look like things were going to turn out so well.
My girl is almost a year and she can throw one heck of a fit. She starts wailing and anything that gets near her--toys, hands, etc--she dramatically pushes away with emphasis so she can continue to wail. It's kind of funny, sometimes.
I hear you! Mine is 1 and she is throwing tantrums. The boys at least waited until they were 2 :) We just ignore her and she normally quits pretty quickly but the boys give her attention and she keeps going. She definitely has more drama than the boys!
Ava arches her back as well. It is so funny...I call her "Miss Priss" when she does this! ;-)
Oh my, Hadley already has opinions about her clothing & she's only 20 months. We had a terrible diaper at the aquarium & had to borrow some "boy clothes" from a friend. After we got home, we were going to dinner so naturally I wanted to change her into a cute little dress. She threw the biggest tantrum until I pyt the Lightning McQueen shirt on over the dress. What a fashionista! LOL Enjoy your littel AnnaBeth!
Hi Amanda~ I just got back from vacation two days ago and am catching up on last week's reading. I'm sorry to hear about Annabeth's scary incident last week, but so glad to hear it's over!
I'll continue to keep you and your family in prayer...especially during these divalicious times ;)
Day one, Girl, day one! Our little girl started with her furrowed brow look on the day she was born! She turned 6 Friday and she still does it! When she was little she had a little "humph!" attitude that I laughed at too. I'm dreading 13, but so far we have survived!
Absolutely! It is such a good feeling knowing "I am not alone" or "I am so glad that is normal!!!" Love your sweet blog and your sweet self!
As you know...i have all boys...and even as they age those guys can STILL throw them a good ole temper tantrum.
Please get that sweet thing on video. :)
Hugs~
Fran
I read this post about 20 minutes and had to come back and comment right now. My 2-1/2 yr. old daughter just threw a fit over wanting her hair in a big ponytail. Apparently the little ponytail I was putting in didn't suit her mood today. Whoa. It's only just begun! :)
I'm a little further along in the drama department as mine is 6 1/2 and oh, baby!!! My boys are 8 and 10 and yes while they can have their moments it's SOOO different. I think the hormones are obvious from birth but I would definitly say you really start seeing them become drama queens by 9-12 mos. and not to depress you because there are days I can't giggle at it I want to cry :) but from 3 up it can really stress a mama out (even though I was probably the same way for my mama!!) Keep giggling and praising God for the difference and that you have both to compare and marvel at!!!!
Yes, I certainly think there is a big difference in little girls crying and boys crying. My little Taylor is 6 months and she is such a drama queen. I agree, it makes me laugh. My son, Mason, is 2 and I never remember his cries being so dramatic at her age or there after. I'm eating it up right now, because like you said, 6 monhts from now I'm sure I'll be wishing she would tone it down a bit.
Three girls here. Dra. Ma.
Oh I am so glad I'm not the only one! I have a 14 month old whose verbal vocabulary consists only of "Mamma, Daddy, puppy and baby" but her acting "vocabulary" is muuuuuch more expansive. She's started throwing herself on the floor (14 months!!!) and wailing when she doesn't get to play with Mamma's cell phone (seriously? you just have to play with a cell phone already?) or anything else we say no to. The other night I told her no and she threw herself floor and wailed and screamed. I turned away from her (proper parental tantrum behavior, right??) and when she realized that I wasn't looking at her, she ran across the livingroom to her daddy and threw herself into his arms and then turned to look at me as if to say, "See? My DADDY loves me!" I glared at hubs and told him that if he did not disentangle himself from her diva grip and stand up and ignore her I would physically come and make him stand up. Oh the manipulation at such a young age. And it is soooo hard to ignore her and not laugh. Because after all, she is just so stinking adorable under that reddening face and big hairbow. Or how do you handle it when she throws a fit on the changing table and in the act of screaming (because somehow that dirty diaper may be dirty but it's still hers darn it and she WILL keep it on) smashes her head on the raised part of the changing table? Console her because she might actually be hurt or ignore her Sigh. We have a baby boy arriving ofrom today. I shall soon know what the differences are between a boy and a girl.
Ahh, the little girl back arch cry! My first girlie did it somehwere around 6 minutes after birth and never stopped! I knew we were in for it then! Her sister is no less dramatic, but no arched back. The drama certainly begins early!
I read something interesting when my 5yo was about 2. It said that hormone driven emotional outbursts can begin in toddlerhood for little girls. Yikes! Not in a monthly cyle type way, but I thought it made total sense. If testosterone can influence little boys' energetic behavior why wouldn't female hormones also have an effect on little girls? And sure enough...I've noticed it in both my girls. Not too long ago I couldn't get Amy to quit crying. The problem was solved, she wasn't overtired but she just wouldn't stop. In frustration I finally asked why she didn't just quit it already! She said "I don't know Mommy...I want to stop crying but I just can't!" Sadly, I could relate. I knew just how she felt. And she wasn't trying to be willful or disobedient. Her little emotions had just gotten the best of her.
Oh Amanda...yes, you are right....so it begins. I have 2 little girls who were born with a dramatic flair. Wait until she is talking.....The other day, Gracie (who is 4) got mad at me...she stuck her little hip out, put her hand on it, and said, "Mommy, I am so not loving this whole 'you're my boss' thing." Ha!! Lord help us mommies of girls!
I can relate! I have 2 girls and I thought only the oldest one was a drama queen until recently. Now I've got TWO drama queens on my hands! I'm curious to know more differences between your boy and girl. Since I have 2 girls, I have NO clue about boys beside babysitting my nephew! You should write a blog about it!
Welcome to the Dramadome.
Just wait...it's one wild ride- lots of fun though!
Yeah. I feel ya.
My blog is called "3GirlsMom." I can relate a little, wouldn't you say? :)
And let me tell you. The drama only increases. My husband, God love him, grew up with boys. He has a brother. He has boy cousins. He played baseball year round. He is a BOY'S BOY. And we have 3 girls. Proof that the Dear Lord does have a sense of humor.
Anyway, he is still learning to deal with the drama. He has NO CLUE why girls need to accessorize from the time they can walk, or why they cry for no apparent reason sometimes, or why they squeal (O MY AT THE SQUEALING!), or why it's just as important to pack hairbows and fingernail polish as it is to pack toothbrushes and panties when we're going out of town. But he's learning to go with the flow and not ask questions. His brother has 2 boys, and when he needs his Monster Truck fix, he'll hang out with them for a little while.
But let me tell you something else. He loves those girls more than I EVER thought was possible. He adores them. He is a 6'3" athlete who melts when his girls tell him they love him. He loves to tickle and snuggle and is attempting to learn how to fix their hair (he's a ponytail master).
Enjoy every drama-filled, back dive moment with your girl. They are AWESOME.
I cannot remember when it started with my girl (who's 21 mo) but after having 2 boys, I just do NOT know what do to with foot stomping, throwing herself on the floor, (almost) fake crying. It's a bit new for me!! I'll be reading everyone's comments fo'so'.
hugs,
rachel
Yes - the drama is innate. And get ready girl, it gets more intense. Some of it is cute, and some is ridiculous. My Gracie is 3 and she is an expert already at all sorts of flailing, verbal exaggeration, and fake crocodile tears.
You are right - boys and girls are so different....my boy Cash is 23 months and so much more laid back in his personality, yet he can throw a pretty physical temper tantrum as he did last night at 3 in the morning.
It's a precious, crazy journey - this mommyhood.
Amy@balmingilead.typepad.com
I am the only girl of the family. (Sad, I know.) However, my little brother, when he was little, threw such a tantrum it would make me laugh. It was so bad that he would literally hold his breath he was so stinkin' mad, and pass out. The first time he did it, my mom about passed out as well, but after that we all realized it was just a ploy.
I was never that dramatic. ;)
I have a little boy who is 3 1/2 and a lil' girl who is almost a year (Oct. 15th~sniff. sniff). And I can definitely see the differences in the two. My sweet lil girl has been WAY more difficult then my boy ever was. She has started to throw her whole body on the ground and cry when things don't go her way, and when her brother takes anything from her (which is all the time) she clenches her fists and screams! For the longest time I thought maybe it was b/c she was the 2nd, but now I'm not so sure!
You are right it's so comical now, but probably won't be at 2 and beyond. I'm glad I'm not the only one.
Oh my.. my little boy does the throwing himself backwards/arching back thing! It cracks me up because it's so dramatic!
I have to say, my 11 year old daughter has never been a drama queen, diva, etc. She just came out that way.
But her almost 14 year old brother? Let's just say I am certain God rewarded us with our daughter because even though sorely tempted, we never did leave her older brother by the side of the road for a pack of wild wolves to raise.
Good luck!! The drama queens (or kings) certainly do keep you laughing.
The toddler tantrums were "fun". But the adolescent/teenage/hormonal dramas... good times...good times.
I only have daughters. I do believe there were days my husband just wanted to go live in a cave.
Melana
Mac is her age and he just turned into a drama king!...maybe it's just the age...
Oh...the girl drama. And I don't even have a little boy. My sweetie pie is two and a half and used to do exactly what you described your sweetie doing! Now, Hallie's favorite thing to display her girly drama is to scream/half cry "No, Mommy! No!" when I'm doing the slightest thing to her--like trying to clean up a boo-boo. :o) It will only get better, I promise. My momma often says I'm going to pay for my raising (I was slightly dramatic as well, I'm sure...wait, I'm a girl, so I'm SURE I was!). :o)
G's all drama, all the time. But she certainly comes by it honestly. I just don't remember you as much of a drama queen, so where is she getting it from?
I thought of you this morning while dealing with my daughters drama.
She is proudly wearing her new fall clothes from Target. I told her how cute she looks and she rolled her eyes and said, "I not cute, Mama. I goooorgus."
She's only two.
Oh girl...haven't been to this blog in awhile, but ran upon this post!
I have an 8 year old, drama queen. She is strong-willed to the core and I have threatened to call SuperNanny more times than I can count.
I don't have answers, but I have prayer. I pray that all that drama, strong-willed nature be channeled into a passionate, dramatic and strong-willed love for the Lord Jesus.
But in the meantime, I'm warning you...
My girl did that whole throwing her head and her whole self backwards thing...yeah, that. Well, one day when she was about 15 months old she decided to throw her whole head and her whole self forward. She head-butted me square between my eyes, across the bridge of my nose. I don't remember much after that except that I sort of tossed her off to her Daddy and I hit the floor with tears in my eyes! It's funny now, but I was in PAIN!!! And my septum has been deviated ever since.
Seriously, we are in the throes of dealing with some pretty heavy things with my darling child -- anxiety and fear over school right now. While I want to take it away from her, I wouldn't trade this time of drawing in and pressing into God on behalf of my child for anything in the world.
There is something special between the bond moms have with their children. But this mother/daughter thing is powerful and it is the ride of my life!
Blessings,
Dori
Thanks for your help and good wishes, Amanda!
I love reading this as I can just imagine what kind of little princess my 3 1/2 month old is going to turn out to be! Good thing they're so darn cute!
I am late in responding...but oh.my. I have a 7 year old boy and an almost 4 year old little girl. She has been high maintenance from day 1!!!
Just the other day, she walked off from me at my son's football game to go watch the cheerleaders in another part of the park. I watched her walk away and knew where she was but she clearly did not tell me where she was going.
I made her come back to the football game and she was mad. She pouted. She refused to talk (which was kind of a blessing). Then when we got home. She got out of the car, put her hand on her hip and clearly agitated, said, "You know, when you came to get me from my cheerleader friends...you were NOT a very good MOTHER!"
Hello. She is four. What will she say to me at 14?
Just thought I would share.
Paige
Yes. It's genetic. Welcome to the party.
Although I will say this -- I think all females have drama, but not all females have the same level of drama. My oldest daughter isn't rarely dramatic these days (at age 8), usually just when she's tired and she's "had the worst day in the history of the WORLD!"
So don't sign yourself up for the loony bin yet.
i have to tell you that our kids (well your one and my two) played together last thursday while your parents had him. It was so fun to see them playing nicely.
Love, love, love your blog. Just clicked over from Sophie's blog (BooMama) and found you.
All I have to say is thank goodness I have 2 boys. Well, I better be careful or the drama will sneak up on me with the youngest.
The Park Wife
Oo, I'm gonna have to gear up for this! I was a shrill crier, made my mom's ears ring, yikes! She kept telling herself, "She'll grow out of this." I'll have to check out Kelly's blog too.
Blessings to you today Little Momma:)
katiegfromtennessee
Amanda,
Maybe your mom still has your outfit in the attic?
Email me if you wanna pick something, and do a giveaway on your blog.
lauren{at}chocolatesilverdesigns.com
I know you think that Annabeth is too young to be a drama queen. However, it my opinion we are born with that ability right from day 1 it just depends each individual girl the length of time it will take to make itself known. Most of us are in full bloom by about 2 years old but some of us just step right up and by 8 months we are relly ruling the house with our drama queen attitude.
Good luck Amanda
We love you and your family keep us updated!! More excitement is to come!!!
Judy Baggett
GG2002
Hi, I just stumbled on your blog and I am currently experiencing "Baby Bangs". This is my first baby and I am a SAHM! Loving motherhood and love your blog!
Too funny. Clara is SO like that too! When we take something away she throws a total valley girl fit! Oh Lord, what will I do the teenage years with these two?!
miss you!
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