The Sass Mouth

I always knew the time would come. I had been fairly warned but like many unknown things, I did not know what to expect. It has reared its feisty and sometimes amusing head.the sass mouth.

When I found out that we were having a girl, I knew that I had a lot of sassiness coming my way. Being a seventh grade teacher, I was afraid.

Just shy of Stella's second birthday, a guest has arrived in our house and has fully unpacked her bags; the sass mouth. I don't know where she came from or what powers the phrases she spurts but it is shocking.and sometimes just down right funny.

I should have known it was coming one day, not too long ago, when I was reading a text on my phone. Stella put her hand in my way and said, "No phone, mommy." The rest soon followed.

I am very proud of my daughter. One of the things that most amazes me is the extension of her quick growing vocabulary. I am aware that she is in a mimicking phase (and for this I have to be most cautious) which I know is a contributing factor.

On her current list of sassy things to say we have "Please stop" as well as "Move please" and my personal favorite "Stop talking please." At least she is polite. This is often accompanied with a hand in the face, a judging look down her nose or a furrowed brow.

I have been putting some heavy thought into what exactly my reaction is supposed to be. Is this time to discipline or talk about "nice" and "not nice" things to say? Is there anything wrong with her being able to express herself, especially is she is saying it in a polite way? I know at day care, they are learning to stand up for themselves. Is this a part of her being able to stand up and speak for herself?

The other night, she hit her head because she was crawling under the table. I had told her not to, of course but she didn't listen (she is almost two, why would she?) When she cried because she had hit her head, I told her that it was her own fault and that was why it is important to listen to mommy. Stella simply looked at me and replied, "It's mommy's fault." Sometimes I just have to laugh out loud.

I have a feeling it is going to be a long next ten years. Ok, maybe fifteen.

How can someone so cute be so sassy?