Before having a baby I thought social conditioning was 90% responsible for your personality. If a kid was being an asshole, I assumed it was something the parents did, or did not do, that socialized them into that behavior pattern. Now that I have my own child, I think their nature is 90% of who they are, and my maternal influence should only take about 10% responsibility for my baby being a total jerk. Okay fine, maybe I am exaggerating a bit, but maybe you need to go on a diet so take that.

Lets take for example falling. I am fully aware that if I were to overreact when The Munch fell, or bonked her head, it would exacerbate her response. I swear on everything holy that I NEVER change my facial expression even slightly when she falls. But you know what? 9 times out of 10 she cries anyway. It is not like I am encouraging her to do that, she just does.

The Munch also has a very determined will. When she wants something to be a certain way, there isn’t much I can do to talk her out of it or distract her. I either have to deal with her full body thrusting protest to force my will upon her, or just let her do what she wants.

If I were to hear someone say what I just said I would totally judge them and think were weak, but since I just said it I think I am making a lot sense.

I am fully aware that I can’t keep indulging her, but it is hard to reason with someone who doesn’t really understand what you are saying, has no problem smacking you in the face, kicking your tits, or head-butting you in the gut.

Perhaps I am being overly critical and avoiding accountability… but that isn’t my fault… I probably picked that up from my parents.

This can’t be my fault!

I captured this moment mid-tantrum… notice the arms swinging…