Oh Christy please don't beat yourself up ~ you can't possibly have all the answers all the time (even though we'd all dearly like to). You're doing so many good things with her... giving her boundaries and letting her operate within those, teaching her that some behaviours are unacceptable (while letting her see that she herself is always acceptable to you), you're not rewarding the inappropriate behaviour and dwelling on any disobedience, but you are moving on once your gentle correction is over to things which do capture her interest. You're seeking help through the PPP consultant and your heart breaks for your beautiful, unique little girl who is experimenting and testing every boundary you put in place for weaknesses.

Christy you're doing all the right things, and you're responding to her with grace. I can see in your posts that this is incredibly tough for you right now. There's a story I heard recently about an old man who was asked what his favourite Bible verse was. He surprised the questioner with, "This too will pass." Can I just encourage you to keep going? You're doing great.

Lastly, here's another 3 Ps for you - Persevere with what you're doing, you're raising a fine, spirited princess and you're doing well. Be Patient with her - she won't understand why the boundaries you've set are in her best interests for many years to come yet. Play - keep the fun happening (like you are) and give her many precious memories.

Big hugs to you. I went through something similar with Gabrielle. She's now five and her tantrums are few and far between. I'm going to PM you a little something extra.