Some days I feel like I'm doing it all right.  My son is learning how to be polite, respectful.  I feel I'm teaching him how to be a smart, self-sufficient, independent gentleman.  He loves to give gifts as much as he loves to receive them (he is only 3).  He is trying to figure out how to read.  He says "Excuse me," and holds doors open.  He seems to be an amazing little person who I am so glad to call my son.

Other days I feel like a failure.  Those days where I've tried redirection, time outs, even spankings, groundings and naps (not always in that order).  When he laughs in my face when I am at my wits end trying to end poor behaviors such as throwing or spitting food, hitting the dog or screaming at the top of his lungs. 

I am truly at a loss as to how I am supposed to balance the two sides of his personality in order to create a man that any woman will be lucky to have some day (if that's the path he chooses to follow!)  How do I go from a sweet boy excited about giving a friend roses on her birthday to a child who plays with and spits out his food while laughing and talking back, in the course of 3 hours?  Is this all 3 year olds or is mine just a special case?

I love my son more than anything in this world.  I just hope that I do right by him.  I want him to be prepared to have a bright and full future.