Dad's Influence is Strong

The baby just got her first pair of glasses. Big sister picked out the color, lavender. They are super cute. But she is just under two so getting her to keep them on can be a fight - except not for daddy.

We are a week into having them and her attitude twos are already coming through. We, correction, I have tried bribery, distraction and firmness with...... nothing. My husband, on the other hand, has successfully gotten her to wear them multiple times for an extended period of time.

He does use bribery. I'm ok with that. Let's call it incentivizing. Yes you can have this food if you wear the glasses. At least she is old enough to get that concept.

I tried the exact same thing he did, using similar words and tactics. She had them on for half a minute. As soon as she got what she wanted she yanked them off. Seriously?! She is super spunky.

The first few days you could even tell she could see things when she took a second to open her eyes when they were on, looking around as if she is seeing for the first time. Then ripped them off.

I know it's different for dads and this is very normal. Does that make it easier. Nope! I just took a breath, relaxed and let daddy take this one on for the first several days while he was off work.

So far, a week into this new adventure she is starting to keep them on for longer periods of time. I didn't think it was possible and we still have a ways to go, but at least now she is starting to listen to me more.

​Although this has opened a new world for her. She has been into things she hasn't ever touched before. On tonight's walk, she pointed to grass as if she had never seen it. Her vocabulary has increased just since last week. Maybe it's developmental or maybe it's being able to see and actually label it, I don't know. It's super fun to watch though.

There is still a lot to be said for the father's influence though and it can't be taken lightly. He can tell her no in just a slightly firm voice and she puckers the bottom lip and starts to whimper. It breaks him, for sure. But he knows he has to stand his ground.

No matter how frustrating it can be for them to listen to their dad better than me, I know his influence is important and we both have our own roles to play. They look different, and they should. God made us all to be different, including our roles as moms and dads. I know I certainly have to remind myself of that on occasion.