I feel very lost right now. My parenting skills are deeply suffering from a teenage-minded mom. Yeah, that girl is me. I am 22 years old and yet, there are times I act as if I were 16 again. I will admit, I've thought for too long that my daughter is young enough and does not understand certain situations but let me give you examples of how I know my behavior is affecting her.
Yesterday afternoon: I get upset at my husband and speak rudely to him. Hayley turns to him, shaking her hands, and begins to yell gibberish at him also. [Ouch!]
Today: Hayley is in the back of the car and all of a sudden screams, "No!" and other gibberish and then giggles at herself.

Wow.

I feel like I have failed to teach her anything at all about being a respectful human being. Any time she acts up, I usually hear the response, "She has your attitude." but I am starting to think that even though she is spunky, her attitude has been a learning process. She sees the way that my husband and I treat each other when we are angry or stressed out and she mimicks it.

And please don't tell me what I've done wrong. I am hurt and embarrassed enough that I have taught her to act this way. Obviously, my husband and I have talked and will try and change some things but in the process, it will be difficult. She was born with 100% sass and attitude and to see us acting that way has only added to our problem.

I will let you know how things work out. She is only 17 months. I have not failed her completely. :)

And thats the way Suze sees it.