Independence

I honestly thought I was a fabulous parent until Logan hit 2 1/2. Man...since then I've sobered up! Logan's strong will and desire for independence is loud and in your face. We've dealt with tantrums, aggressive outbursts, and general unruly behavior. I admit that we've had a lot of transition in our lives during this period but also think he'd probably have been this challenging under the most calm circumstances.

Our biggest power struggles are currently over clothing. My little fashion-bug changes clothes at least 4 times a day! He comes downstairs each morning wearing outfits that would make the fashion police come running. A few recent examples include: football pants (capri length - part of Halloween costume) and a sleeveless shirt, umbros with black knee highs from my drawer and a swim shirt, and swim trunks with too small pajama shirt. He often tops each ensemble off with a hat, rain boots, or Mardi Gras necklace. I then wrestle him into school-worthy clothes with promises that he can change as soon as we get home. Upon arriving back at home he chooses "fast clothes." (Logan's dictionary defines "fast clothes" as soccer shorts, soccer shoes, rock n' roll tshirt). I'm trying to convince him that the clothes don't make him fast but he insists that his legs are slow unless he has fast clothes on.
After his bath, I dress him in pajamas (just pants b/c my little guy needs to see his muscles) but the pjs only last through reading and tucking in. As soon as I turn out his light and leave his room, Logan selects another ensemble more fitting (in his mind) for bed. Such outfits have included: nothing (naked on his bearskin rug), layers of underwear underneath shorts, swim trunks, and overalls.

The week before Christmas my mom experienced some of the same struggles when he stayed with her. He was apparently determined to leave the house wearing his frog t-shirt, Christmas boxers, black church socks, and "fast shoes." (see picture)

Logan's closet is full of cute clothes. I love little boy clothes! While it is more difficult to find cute boy stuff (unlike girl's clothes that are EVERYWHERE!), Logan has quite the adorable wardrobe. At one time he always looked put together. Shirts that matched pants. Jackets that matched shirts. Shoes that matched all of the above. I'm now resigned to settling with weather-appropriate duds.

I have wondered if other kids go through this fashion obsessed stage. Then I realized that while Logan may be a trend setter (just look at the above pics again!), it isn't just him. I felt the first pangs of peer pressure last week. On the way home from school we had this conversation:

Me: How was your day at school?
Logan: My friends love my new shirt. I love my new shirt too. Mommy, do you love my new shirt? (it isn't actually new...just rediscovered)
Me: Yes, I love your shirt.
Logan: My friends love my new shirt.
Me: Good, Logan. I'm glad.
Logan: When my friends love my new shirt I am happy in my heart.

Since this conversation, I have washed the "new shirt" 6 times and admit that he is wearing it today underneath a sweatshirt after wearing it yesterday and to sleep in last night. This particular power struggle goes to him today...I just didn't have the energy to fight it. Plus, it makes him happy in his heart! :)