Strong willed child

There is no doubt that my first born has always been what I refer to as 'high maintenance'.  Lately though, she has taken high maintenance to a new level - strong willed.  My mom actually bought the book, The Strong Willed Child, and Mallory fits the description pretty darn good. 

I do not know if it is her age...everyone says three is much worse than two and then it gets better at four.  Everything is a battle.  Getting dressed in the morning, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, getting in the car, everything.  Although high maintenance, she has always been a generally sweet child until lately.  The attitude has come out.  There is lots and lots of whining.  I think a lot of it has to do with lack of sleep.  She goes to bed between 9 and 10 and is usually up before 7 with no nap.  It is not because we do not try to get her to sleep more, it is because she refuses. 

One theory is this might be a delayed reaction to Hadley being born.  There was no change in Mallory immediately after Hadley's birth, so possibly she is acting out now.  I am hoping that this is a phase that shall pass very soon.  If this does have to do with Hadley's arrival, I feel like there is a fine line between disciplining and showing her that she is still just as important and loved as she ever was. 

No one said parenting was easy.  I do not know how many times I've heard the phrase, 'being a parent is the hardest and most rewarding job you will ever do'.  No truer words have ever been spoken.