Is 3 really worse than 2?

Pierce officially hurt my feelings for the first time...and on purpose too!  Yes, children say the darnedest things, but this time I actually couldn't even say anything back, and walked out of the room with tears in my eyes.

He has certainly been showing his need for independence lately, and I will admit it has been tough for me.  I cannot pick out his fork and spoon anymore; he has to get it from the drawer.  I cannot pick out his clothes, because if I do, they are the wrong ones to wear that day.  Furthermore, how dare I ask him if he needs help.  Of course the answer is no!  (But do not be surprised if he comes to me within a couple of minutes saying he needs help).

Thursday night I was putting him to bed, and asked for a hug and kiss good night.  He looked at me and said, "No.  You tucked Carter in first.  I am not giving you a hug and kiss goodnight."  I have always tucked Carter in first.  Always.  This way Pierce would not be upset if I walked out without saying good night to him last.  I just simply walked out and shut the door...and he did not even come looking for me later to get his hug and kiss.  He blissfully fell asleep, as if nothing in the world was wrong.  Instead, I am the one that was crying.  I should have told him how much that hurt, but I was STUNNED.  Even more stunned, since we had such an awesome day with the park and then soccer practice.

Friday afternoon, I ask Pierce to please get into bed because it was nap time.  His response, "You are not my mommy.  I don't have to listen to you."  Where on earth did he learn that?!  This time, I did have a retort for him.  I explained that if I was not his mommy for some random reason, that he cannot come to me with his boo boos, and that I do not have to tuck him in or give him a hug or kiss.  There went the waterworks, followed by "I'm sorry" about a million times over.

What has made my innocent little boy start hurting with words since he has turned 3?  Is he learning it from me, or is it just a phase that children go through?  I wish I knew how to make it stop, and how to make him realize just how much it hurts.  I will always love him to the moon and back, but I wouldn't mind having this phase done and over with.  Have a great weekend everyone!