I've found this week trying week because, well, I have a 16 month old. A 16 month old who has a finely tuned sense of what she does and does not want. So I've been dealing with a lot of NOs and a generous dose of back-arching and banshee-like screaming when I attempt to do such offensive things as put little a. into her stroller or high chair. I've been feeling overwhelmed and a little undone by these new behaviours and had been mentally putting together a post to that effect over the last few days - at best a cry for help, but more likely a letter of complaint.But then, today, I had a moment of pure joy with little a. that helped me to remember some of the wonderful things about her growing more and more into a little person with her own sense of self. It's a little thing that warms my heart: when she expresses some sort of wish and I understand it and ask "Do you want an orange?" (for example), her face lights up into the hugest smile and she nods her head dramatically. It's a look that transcends the request at hand to reveal the pride she feels at being understood. And in turn it leaves me with the amazing feeling of really communicating with my daughter.
Through this realization, I was able to turn my focus from what's been bringing me down to reveling in something good. And I want to ask you, what is going on with your little ones these days that brings a smile to your face? Oh, and while I'm here... anyone have tips on how to nix the back-arching?
Logging you in...
highland_h 19p · 741 weeks ago
The back arching I know only too well, and I don't have much to contribute other than distraction. We have begun to say 'no' firmly at times and walked away from a tantrum, but it's a delicate balance, I don't always want a fight.
And just now 'mama' is the only thing F wants, at all times, in all places and particularly when I'm trying to cook and she has decided to hang out at my feet in the kitchen. It's getting to be rather infuriating. Solutions? None so far (other than 10 minutes of youtube which I don't like to resort to). Occasionally an interlude in her highchair with colouring crayons or some such activity buys some time.
To sandwich the bad with the good, I want to share two more delightful things: F's desire to shout out 'I got it' at the moment in her proudest voice. And her sheer joy in doing action songs now - the wheels on the bus, incy wincy and tap tap tap... as seen on FB.
Pinkbrain_here 61p · 741 weeks ago
Two nights ago, Alex got a time out during bathtime for whipping toys at my head. Last night, he was dancing and singing in front of the little plastic mirror we put in the bath. He would say "mirr" and point to himself in the mirror and make funny faces. A little clown.
Being a parent is hard. Being a parent of a toddler is sometimes HARD. But then they dance and laugh and give you hugs and kisses (even if the hug soaks you since they're in the tub).
Just tonight at dinner he screeched in disgust at the pasta I tried to feed him. He pointed to my bowl and wanted some. I fed him some of mine (which was exactly want he had). He ate it. He ate Dijon out of the jar, and raw onions, but won't touch the raspberry muffins I made.