Bad Fashion, Beware

There is a Fashion Nazi residing in our household. She goes by name of Laurel, and she knows exactly what she wants to wear. Point blank she tells us if an outfit is not desired. Try to put it on her, and you face fits of fury exerting the energy of a tornado. There will be high pitched shrieks, tears, flailing arms, back arching, and the inevitable escape. We've learned to offer her choices in her apparel, giving her control. It makes for a much happier morning.

Evidently, ponytails and a sequined shirt
are appropriate apparel for a baseball game.

However, the opinions are not limited to herself. Paul likes to be shirtless when brushing his teeth, thus eliminating the possibility of getting toothpaste on it. This bothers Laurel to no end. She stands next to him, points and yells, "Daddy, put on a shirt!"

Sometimes I wear a light jacket in the house when cold. Laurel points at me and says, "Mommy, no coat!"

I usually respond, "Honey, I'm cold and I need the jacket to keep warm."

Comfort is not of importance to her, only how I look. She repeats herself, "Mommy, no coat!"

Me walking away does not deter her. She just follows, repeating her command. "Mommy, no coat! Take coat off, NOW!"

This lasts for a few minutes, but I refuse to give in to her demands. My needs are important, too. Eventually, she gives up or gets distracted, and I always get to laugh at my wonderfully opinionated daughter.

Look out, Ian. It won't be long before she notices you like to wear your shirts backwards. I'm just warning you...