Mommy I Don't Care!

As our beautiful little toddler grows older, the more crazy phrases pop out of her mouth. I realized last week that I must say, " I don't care" to my daughter often, since now everything is, "MOMMY I don't care!". I think a gray hair popped out of my head at that moment along with the realization I truly have to watch every word out of my mouth now! It is amazing to see how your child perceives you as they grow. My toddler now loves to try and wear my shoes, my scarf, and adores putting make up on. Her new thing is dresses, and her love to "look pretty". It is extremely adorable, yet can cause moments of stress. An example would be when we are walking out the door and throwing a fit because we want a dress on. I think the motto I carry with me each day is, "Don't let your daughter wind you up, breathe". LOL, I am sure many other parents feel the same way. It is amazing, adorable and beautiful to watch them grow and learn, but it comes with strong opinions which can make you nuts. The other tendency we have picked up is saying something hurts on our body. When it first began, we were thankful to finally know when she didn't feel well or hurt herself. Now it is simply a call for attention, which is more frustrating because we don't believe her complaints anymore. It seems that at this stage of 2 1/2 to t three years old is hit or miss. Shopping trips are either great or horrible.
As a single person, I remember hating kids that took folded clothes and throw them on the floor, or the mom that left the dressing room a disaster. I now admit, I sometimes am "that mom". I also realized my funny expressions such as, "I am going to kill you!" does not sound good in public in front of those who do not understand. I also am now the mom that gives her toddler sugar packets for table entertainment, and could care less about it. The worst situation so far at this age is when she tantrums in the middle of a store and I cannot scold her or punish her because of the time and location. That is definitely an experience every mom hates and dreads, and all you can do is your best.
I have found some solutions to crazy outing situations:
-At the grocery store I let her hold a basket and "Shop with mommy" (please note this is only when mommy has time to take forever in the store)
-When shopping for clothes, letting her wear pieces and feel pretty for entertainment
-In restaurants I let her look at the kids menu and grown up menu and order for herself, which she does ever so well and feels like " a big girl".
-Lastly the most important element for surviving your toddler- the art of distraction and changing the task at hand. Scene: Screaming toddler wanting something or frustrated....present a snack, drink or start naming colors and exploring the area. When all else fails, and I am in the car ride home pulling my hair, a simple turn the music up always does wonders (note only in my extreme circumstance when I am about to loose it).
My disclaimer: I am really not a bad mom who beats or screams at their child all time (only some of the time, just kidding!). I also am a human being on a mission for peaceful survival of the toddler years with as much enjoyment as possible.