Power Stuggles

This week has been a week of extreme power struggles between me and my children. Here are the top 10 naughty things that they have done this week.

1. Writing on the walls with crayon and marker.
2. Losing my Lifetime Fitness membership card.
3. Destroying a fabric sample that I had on loan from a furniture store.
4. Throwing their full orange juice glass at me.
5. Telling me that if I don't be quiet and stop telling them how naughty they are, I won't get a treat later on.
6. Getting into a few of my untouchable personal belongings when I told them at least 5 times not to get into them.
7. Standing out in the cold and screaming at the top of their lungs at me that they are cold.
8. Not sharing the rope swing at preschool open gym while other's were waiting in line and after I told Allie 5 times to get off of it, I took her off and she threw the biggest temper tantrum ever in front of about 50 people.
9. Squeaking at me all day when I gently remind them not to do something.
10.  Throwing a big pile of dirt on the kitchen floor when I told them not to.

After having such a tough week and feeling like a bad mom, I had a great conversation with a great friend who recommended a book to me about children and power struggles.  I bought the book and am hoping and praying that I can learn a lot so I can be a better parent and understand more about children and why they want to be in control most of the time.  Please say a prayer for me!