A Brat

I don't know how it happened by Miriam has turned into a little brat. Tonight at dinner Cat took her to the potty since she was finished and none of the rest of us were. When the girls come back to the table (about 3 seconds before I was heading to find them!) Cat looks like she is about to cry and M runs right over to me and hugs me "I love you Mommy". As she is doing this Cat is talking to Jenna and Jeremy. Apparently while Cat was holding Miri's dress for her Miri decided to taste Cat's fingers. Yup she bit her! We never had a problem with her biting before, in fact Miri was always the one getting bit when she was younger at her babysitter's house. Jenna asked Cat what she did when Miri bit her, did you cry or hit? Nope. (I am proud of Cat for not reacting this way) Miriam did cry because she didn't want Cat to tell anyone!

So of course I start having a little talk with M, but she keeps saying "but I love you" and kissing and hugging and flashing that smile of hers. I did get through because she started crying, she knew I was mad and more importantly she knew she was wrong.

What I don't understand is when/how did my sweet little girl turn into a little brat? Why does she think she can just "be cute" and that excuse her behavior?

I don't let her run over us. She does get time-outs and if Ryan catches her a swat on the butt (if she is really bad). But truthfully she never does what she did tonight. What on earth possessed this behavior from her? And more importantly how can we nip this in the bud - I do not want a brat!