So, the blog’s been pretty slow here lately because life has not been. You know. You’ve been there. Maybe your Thanksgiving plans weren’t thrown completely off course by a stomach virus and the mounds of laundry it created, but still, you understand. Sometimes, just getting through the day and not forgetting to fix dinner is all the accomplishment I can handle.
To put it simply…sometimes that’s just the way it is.
Especially when you have an over-achieving toddler who has thrown himself headfirst into the “terrible twos” at a mere eighteen months. I’m not kidding. The headache I have proves it.
Can anybody just testify with me that this stage of toddlerhood (or parenthood, for that matter) is just absolutely not easy? And here’s one of the reasons why:
communication.
My little one is so sweet. Really he is. And, he’s helpful. Or, he tries to be. He likes to put things in their place and tries to clean up his messes. BUT….
As much as he knows what he wants, he can’t always communicate it. And, gone are the days of happily waiting until Mommy figures it out. Long gone. And, it’s tiring. For both of us, I think.
I’ve been thinking of how best to get through this time (while still teaching and learning and loving), and a few things have come to mind. I thought I’d share…
- Pay attention to him. (Duh.) I mean, be really present and tuned in so that I don’t miss what makes him upset. Sometimes its something as simple as a toy that’s gotten into a place he can’t reach. Also, though he’s not always clear, he is saying words…I just have to LISTEN.
- Be consistent….with punishment. Let’s face it: if he thinks he can get away with throwing a fit, he will throw one. Every time.
- Plan activities that use up energy. He has a lot of it, and outside fun like going to the park or playing with the pets will help him use it in a good way.
- Pray. For him and for myself. We both need it.
How do (or did) you get through the trying times of toddlerhood?