My least favorite parenting cliche from when Jamie was a newborn was “Enjoy every moment. It all goes so fast.”
There is a definite foundation of truth to this statement, and of course it was always well-intended. The statement didn’t make the high pitch screams, projectile pee or chronic spit up any easier to manage, however.
It’s crazy how seemingly overnight that infant transforms into a miniature person and calling him “the baby” is no longer accurate. Here are a few of the transitions involved in toddler development:
Talking – Congratulations, your child now has more than one way to tell you that he’s hungry, needs a diaper change, or just wants attention for one reason or another. It doesn’t mean that they’ve suddenly developed an adult dosage of common sense, or logic. Just because they have the vocabulary doesn’t mean you can expect a well-reasoned argument. And you are not immune from a good old-fashioned temper tantrum from time to time.
Walking – At some point it becomes easier for your toddler to walk side by side rather than load them up in a stroller. It might be easier, but that doesn’t necessarily equate to faster. While you may have an intended purpose for the walk, your toddler views it as an opportunity to point out every bug and pick up every leaf. Just because they can move their feet does not mean they have a sense of purpose – unless there’s something in it for them.
Eating – At some point you’re feeding your toddler something messy and they look up and say “I do it!” You figure you didn’t like the color of the dining room walls anyway, so you hand the spoon over. And sure enough, the spaghetti sauce lands on the high chair tray, the floor, the walls, all over your shirt, their face and their hair. Meals and bath time are now intertwined. And a streak of independence is now born.
Taste in movies, books and music – They’ll let you know what book they want you to read, and what movie they want you to watch from here out. All television programming is animated during daylight hours from here out. Also, welcome to the world of songs so catchy you’ll NEVER get them out of your head.
What toddler development do you notice?
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