It is easy to get caught up in a daily, humdrum routine around the house. There are things we do because they are necessary, not because they are fun, such as loading the dishwasher or cleaning up clutter.
Let’s face it, only slightly demented people and children find a high level of fascination in
Children may not want to constructively participate, but there is no denying their interest. Want validation in your boring household routine? Have kids. Toddlers will be enthralled with every move you make. Every parent is the equivalent of Dos Equis “Most Interesting Man In The World” in the eyes of their toddler.
Five day-to-day activities toddlers find the most fascinating:
Loading the dishwasher — This is a nearly impossible task because plates, cutlery and glassware captivate all of a toddler’s attention as they make their way from the sink to the dishwasher. Your toddler will be reaching desperately for the objects in your hands, especially as you bring them down to his or her level, to place in the dishwasher.
Cleaning up toys or books — Just as soon as they find the shelf, your toddler is following close behind making sure their toys and books return to their rightful place on the floor. Let’s face it. A toy on the shelf is useless. You may find this task utterly mind-numbing. Your toddler has a vested interest in the outcome. Especially if the toys are unreachable in their new location.
Drinking coffee — I promise if it is juice, water, or anything else room temperature, toddlers will find it completely boring and not give a care in the world. But the second that you have to stretch your arm to keep coffee out of their reach, or utter the words “no” and “hot” in the same sentence, they will make it their life’s mission to find what’s inside. One of the greatest days for me in Jamie’s development was when he learned how to take stairs. It meant that I no longer had to carry him and my coffee up the stairs in separate trips out of fear that he’d knock it over.
Going to the bathroom — Toddler’s aren’t much for following social norms or giving their parents privacy. Despite your deepest protests, they find bladder relief utterly fascinating.
Eating something you’re not feeding them — The most fascinating food to a toddler is the food that is not directly in front of them. It is always a risky endeavor (but sometimes necessary) to eat something that you aren’t feeding them. Do this at your own risk. It doesn’t matter if it’s green beans and broccoli, toddlers will desperately want what you have.
I’m sure I missed a million of the most fascinating things that parents do. If you can think of any others, leave them in the comments below.
In the meantime, it’s time to go revel in the fact that I lead such an exciting life—at least to somebody.
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