Toddlers
They are interesting creatures.
One minute they’re the sweetest kids on the planet, giving you a kiss on your cheek for no reason. The next minute they turn into the Hulk, angry because the ketchup and mac and cheese on their plate was touching.
In this season of life, toddlers are learning and experiencing ever-changing emotions as they grow.
And as a mother, I’m also learning from my toddler each day.
What My Toddler Has Taught Me
For example, my 2-year-old son was struggling getting out of the house one morning. I said the usual, “Hurry up buddy, we have to go,” over and over again.
My son’s emotions were all over the place. He was excited to go to school, but also sad to leave home for the morning. And angry that I ate the last of his banana (although he had told me he didn’t want any more).
With the car finally loaded with school backpacks and little brother in his car seat, my 2-year-old wouldn’t come unless he could pretend to drive the car. At that point I was already frustrated with his slow pace and lack of listening, so I said no.
“But why not, mommy?” His small voice asked, with big blue eyes looking up at me.
I froze in place and realized — yes, why not?
So, I did something different that morning, I said yes to his demand and let him climb up the driver seat. He grabbed onto the steering wheel and pretended to drive for two full minutes.
Instead of yelling at him to hurry, I let him smile and take his time.
Instead of saying no, I said yes.
And he was on top of the world. He smiled all the way to school that morning, and had a great day overall.
From that moment I felt some weight come off my shoulders. That was one of those wonderful moments where I could learn from my toddler. To take the time for fun.
Saying Yes Instead of No
One morning I was laying out my yoga mat to start a little morning session in my living room. My toddler was watching and decided he wanted to help by climbing on my back while I did cat and cow positions.
I was getting frustrated as I was trying to focus on my breathing and have some alone time. He starting doing some of the poses I was doing and then he suddenly bit my yoga mat, leaving big teeth marks. I instantly yelled, “No more yoga, go sit over there!”
“But why not, mommy?”
I remembered back to the day I let him for drive for two minutes and I thought — it’s just a yoga mat. So I invited him back over and he gave me that big smile again, so happy to be with mommy, stretching.
It was a sweet moment as I watched my son do warrior pose.
“I stretch like mommy!” he said with a big grin, “But no biting the mat.”
Now every time I do downward dog and see the teeth marks in the yoga mat, I smile. I have since realized the reaction I had was uncalled for. My beautiful boy just wanted to do what his momma was doing, which is not uncommon for toddlers.
So I dare you to say “yes” to your toddler. To slow down and let your toddler “drive” the moment and to not overreact about the little things.
I dare you to ask yourself “why not” in your own daily struggles as a mother. To enjoy this stage and these moments, for they are only little for so long.
And for more on life with toddlers, see the post Fostering Gratitude in Toddlers.
About the Author
Kari is a Minnesota native who put down roots locally after marrying a Fargo man named Erik. Now a mom of two young boys (Hugo and Callan), life is full of love and chaos. Kari also is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer at Sanford, where she works with many departments including OB/GYN, abdominal, and pediatric. In the hospital, she has a passion for anatomy/physiology and patient care. All her life she knew she wanted to be a mom, and it is never a dull moment with her two boys around. Kari and Erik enjoy volunteering for their church as worship music leaders, singing and playing guitar. Kari also enjoys time cooking, baking, reading, and spending time at the lake. As of lately, early quiet mornings snuggling her newborn with a cup of coffee is her happy place.
