The Art Of War - Hadley Style

Toddlers, such amazing little creatures that are sometimes best viewed behind a protective glass wall (like the lions at the zoo) so as to protect the eardrums and sanity of adults around them. Everyday Hadley amazes me with something he says or does. I watch him become a little man more and more. At 2 1/2 he has MASTERED the art of manipulation, swearing, and the war of willpower. Once I remove myself from the usual role of a sometimes unworthy opponit, I find myself beaming with inner pride at how secure he is in himself. He has recently added flattery to his overwhelming charm.

Me: Ok, Hadley time to get dressed (I'm holding my breath, am I going to get the teenager today that has NOTHING he likes to wear, or am I going to get the nudist who will take his clothes off every time I put them on, or am I going to get the dream child that doesn't protest anything)

Hadley: NOOOOOOO, I want to be naked (nudist child, check)

Me: If you stay naked you can't go to the new house today and we can't go to the park.

Hadley: Yes we do, we go in your car (where oh where does he get this smarty attitude)

Me: My car only works if you have clothes on

Hadley: No you have to have the keys (here comes the teenager attitude)

Me: Well I'm only going to take you if you have pants on

Hadley: NOOOOOOOO (and this is when the race starts)

After running around the apartment, and finding him hidding behind the bed after slaming the door on me, I hold him down and proceed to dodge the flaring legs aimed for my stomach.

Hadley: No Barbie, Please don't, Barbie no, Barbie I LOVE YOU, PLEASE NO BARBIE!

Here is where I pause, how did this little boy learn that Barbie is the prettiest of all the dolls? How does he know that calling mommy Barbie, fluffs her ego and makes her feel pretty? Why am I being so mean and holding him down to put pants on him? WAIT A SECOND, I'm being manipulated!!!!

I am apologizing to the world of parent's with little girls that will come into my son's path. He has more charm than any man should be allowed, he knows to flatter the mom's, make the dad's laugh, and then go in for the kill with the daughters. We have seen this firsthand.

I am proud, blessed, and honored to be this little guys mom. To know that I have the type of son that no matter what woman comes into his life, I will always be his mom, I will set the standered for expectations in a home life, I create what will be his norm. When I start to feel low for not having a job outside the home, I think of this and what an important I have as a homemaker. Who knows, with the charm and strong center Hadley already has, he would be perfect to be President one day. He already knows how to get exactly what he wants, while making you think it was your idea to begin with.