"And the truth shall set you free." I guess that refers to knowing it, not telling it. Courage. Not so sure I have it, yet. But let's give it one more shot. I guess today, if I could say anything, it would be...
About the "Pancakes & Eggs" episode. *Sigh*...so I finally "caught up" with my child's progression and figured out after a few days of locking myself in the bathroom what (I believe) it was all about. Could it be that she's pushing to the next level...the next phase of "independence?" It's the transition to wanting to do everything BY HERSELF.
The clearest example of this and the most exhausting activity right now? Trips to the potty. I mean baby girl potty trained herself and is fully trained day and night, so for that I am proud of her and thankful as she is not even three yet! We realized that it was now her domain. When she was on it...everything in the room was HERS to control. Don't touch the toilet paper, don't move anything from its place, don't put anything in HER trash and most importantly...never EVER flush HER pee pee or boo boo away. Are you kidding me? And FORGET helping her wipe. Seriously! I have to practice deep breathing techniques just to get through trips to the potty! (Luckily, this seems to only apply at home). But the look of pride on her face as she completes all the steps herself is priceless!!! How can I take that away? And so, I have to slow down and take a step back and at least let her try.
So in the midst of this whole major adjustment (prior to understanding the need to step back), I had reached the resolve that I was just going to have to take charge (ehhh heemmm) and get tougher...I meet "MR. MOM" on the playground. This bloke from Australia starts sharing about the dietary needs of kids and how we shouldn't feed them this or that. No problem. THEN he starts explaining to me (Miss Z and I were having a really bad day) how he never tells his son "No", he tries to simply redirect him to a more positive activity. And he doesn't make him do something if he doesn't want to because then "what power does he have, then?" I'm sorry...did you just say "POWER?" For a 15 month old? 1 and 2 year olds don't know what to do with power other than make your life a living hell! I am the one who needs the power!!! Power schmower...they need BOUNDARIES! And for their sense of security and confidence, they need to know that you're in control!!! But, I managed to smile and nod as I thought...we'll see how far that gets you in the terrible two's, pal!
Well folks, kudos to those who have a toddler that doesn't experience tantrums (or if they do, it's to a lesser degree), and to those who figured out right away what to do about it and "never had another," (mumbling a few choice words under my breath), and to those who had a toddler sooooooo long ago, you simply don't remember anything other than the adorable things they did....whatever!
Can I get a "whoo-whoo" from the mom's who know what it's like to cut the sandwich the wrong way and it sets your entire morning back an hour and a half....because you know that the minute you do ANYTHING wrong...you can't fix it. Can I get a "what what" from the mom who pulled out the purple straw when you should've gotten out the PINK one...but it's too late to switch to the pink one because THE SKY IS NOW FALLING!!
But you know...just as your thoughts become audible and you hear yourself saying..."Step away from the child...please step away from the child," the pendelum swings and next thing you know, she's holding your face saying, "You're my best friend, mommy...I love you," or "Thank you, mommy...good job!" as you place her dinner on the table. She's singing "Twinkle, Twinkle little star" so sweetly and dancing about the room. I mean...you wake up one morning and you say (already preparing for battle in your mind), "We're going to get dress and go to the store today." and she says, "Ok, mommy," with this delicious smile on her face...and she actually puts on the clothes you pick out and walks out the door...and you wonder...is it over? Are we done?
2 comments:
You've gotta keep this writing up babe. Not only do I love reading because I do know what you're going through with the girls, but your writing is excellent, and I'm sure anyone who deals with this stuff also is going to connect with your stories. I don't do it often enough myself, but when I do take the time to write down my thoughts and experiences, I find it really does have a therapeutic quality. Keep it up. I'll be reading!
Kelli you've got such a talent - a gift...as a writer...I don't have children, but through your writing I am still connected and on some small level can identify. There is resounding truth to your writing - a humbleness - which makes your real life stories so very refreshing. You are strong, brilliant and resilient - please...keep writing...
Love you...
Post a Comment