insight

E and I were battling tonight over her eating 1 bite of chicken. It was taking forever and escalating. She explained why she just wouldn't take that bite: "I have a bad feeling in my mind and I can't get it out." I said, "I wish I could help you, sweetie, but I'm out of ideas. I don't know how to help you - I've tried everything I can think of, and apparently I can't help you do what you need to do."

E insisted, "Yes you can! You can help." I demanded, "How??" She had her back turned to me and mumbled. When I asked her to repeat it I understood how I could help her: "...by getting Daddy to take over."

We were surprised because she often complains about David's unyielding ways, but I guess she knew what she needed, and it was her idea. And it worked out great! She even asked for him to do the whole bedtime routine.