Toddlers.
They are something else, aren’t they?
They can’t sit still, they want to explore everything, they are impulsive and my oh my – the tantrums! Some days, you’ll do everything in your power to make it a positive day, and somehow someone (probably you) will still end up in tears before bedtime.
But they truly are the most amazing little people.
I was given the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mama when my daughter was born. We spend so much time together and while I’m cherishing these moments, you could say she is my kryptonite. But I’ve recently started taking a step back and just being more present with her.
The things that I have learned from her over the years are far more valuable than any time spent in a corporate work setting. I’ve gained a new perspective, watching life through her eyes.
In the almost three years of becoming a mama, here are five lessons I have learned from my toddler:
There is plenty of time to turn your day around.
You know when your toddler is having a complete meltdown because you gave them the purple cup, but they actually wanted to blue one? They start screaming, crying and becoming completely unreasonable. Then all of a sudden, they see a truck or a dog and they are the happiest person in the world. So have your tantrum, and then flip the switch, because you might just see a dog today.
The little things matter.
It’s so important to realize that what we may see as a little thing, could be a big deal to them. How many times have you seen a bird fly into your backyard? Probably too many to count. How many times have you woken up to snow in your yard? We’re in Colorado, so probably a lot! But for my toddler to see the bird, or the snow, or whatever it may be, she is sure to point it out every single time. Pure magic.
Mind your p’s and q’s.
Kids are always watching and listening to us, and usually when we least expect it. They hear the good and the bad things (good moms sometimes say bad words, by the way), and they are sure to repeat them at the worst possible time. So take a page from Bluey’s dad, and just say “ahh biscuits!”
Let your heart grow.
When toddlers love, they love hard. Their hearts are probably bigger than ours and they often love unconditionally. I’m not sure how many times I have seen my toddler wave to strangers at the grocery store, but it usually makes them smile back at her. Showing love and kindness to everyone costs you nothing. So wave at a stranger, hold the door for the elderly lady at the store, and wish someone a good day!
Learn something new every day.
If you think about it, the things we know, we’ve known for quite a while. But our toddlers, they’ve only been on this earth for just a few short years. So every day that they learn something new is sort of a big deal. Like what is thunder? Why do dogs come in different shapes and sizes? Why can’t babies talk? Take that perspective, and learn something every single day. Then share your knowledge with your toddler so they can learn too!
The thing about raising kids is that every season is different. But in every season, we should learn a new lesson.
