This time in a child's life is full of mystery and intrigue, battles and emotion, discovery and independence. Despite the numerous "helpful" advice, books on parenting, and somewhat relevant articles that try to broach this subject, most fall a little short in truely capturing what a Mother goes through. Here are just a few things that I've come to realize:
1. You should never refuse a toddler a bandaid. Period. They may shove their grubby little finger in your face and say "here, see!?" and no matter how hard you strain to see a cut, you see nothing. But to them a bandaid is a cure-all. It magically makes them forget any problems in their little world and makes life rosy again. And be generous with them, load up your cupboard with all kinds of them; Disney, Nemo, Curious George, and let him put one on every finger if this simple luxury makes him feel all better. If only Adults were this easy to please..
2. Everything tastes better with cheese on it. If there is a meal you're making that you think your little one might balk at, load it up with the orange stuff. I find the ooeyer gooyer it is the more appeal it has, and the more fun it is to wrap around a fork and make long "string-shots" with.
3. Nothing is more frustrating then feeling like you have no options. Toddlers have so very little control in their everyday lives. Face it, parent's tell them when to go to bed, what to eat, how much to eat, what they can't touch, what they can't watch, and the list goes on. If he wants to wear faded red jogging pants that now look suspiciously close to a Strawberry Shortcake shade of pink, then let him. We as parent's really need to get over what other people think of us, and let them express themselves as they see fit, within reasonable perimeter's. They are their own unique individuals, they are different than us, and they are wonderful. So major on the major and minor on the minor's, and give them 3 or 4 options when available.
4. Electronic's are usually the least creative option. As our society continues to become more digital and rely on computer's for everything, it is quickly invading the classrooms and our child's lives. Where I do agree that sometimes it is necessary to let them watch t.v while your busy on the phone with the bank, or watch a dvd while your driving long distances, for the most part they're glorified babysitter's. Steve Jobs once said " Lincoln did not have a Web site at the log cabin where his parents home-schooled him, and he turned out pretty interesting. Historical precedent shows that we can turn out amazing human beings without technology. Precedent also shows that we can turn out very uninteresting human beings with technology". It's crazy that they now have tabletops that adjust to potty's so children can continue to "play" on their tablets. Let's get a grip people, what a money maker, going after the innocent because parent's can't get a handle on their own addictions to multimedia. Computer's however can be a great tool for learning, and open up a world of information and access, it just has to be used in moderation. A child can learn more by going out into their world and exploring, asking questions, and discovering. After all that's how most of us learned. I remember hours of playing manhunt with the neighbour kids, and social activities galore. Get em outside people and into arts, music and sports activities!!
5. There is rarely a time that they aren't watching you. Children are sponges, they absorb all the sights and sounds and info that is constantly being presented to them. We've learned this the hardway many times, like when our toddler yelled at car's going buy "stop splashing my Mom!!" when I'd yelled something similar just seconds earlier. Or repeating pieces of conversations that you and your Husband had that day, that you thought he was simply tuning out, only to find he repeats it at the most inopportune time. Oy! We are their models and this is both an overwhelming task at times, and also a great privledge and responsibility. Lord let me model the kind of person I want my child to become like.
6. They're voice and they're opinions count. So many times our son has grabbed something off the shelves while shopping and I say "Teo we don't need that only to look at it and realize we DO need it". They are so sharp and they keep an eye on the day to day just like we do. They recognize familiar products, landmarks, facial expressions, neigbour's, and so on. Their voice deserves to be heard, and often if we take the time to validate their points, we will find that they have great insight and fresh minds that haven't been tainted.
7. Dollar Store toys are great incentives. Ya sure they are cheap and often break within days, but boy the wonder and excitement of being able to pick out ANY toy, and sometimes just BECAUSE they co-operated and listened that day for the first time, all week.
8. Day trips are a great way to break up the monotony. My little guy loves to take the bus. Seems pretty uneventful to us, but to him it's a venture out into the adult world. And boy the questions that he comes up with. It teaches him about geography, travel, money, socializing, patience, and reaching a destination. We've also taken the train for a daytrip to a neighbouring city, which is also a great way to get around. Sometimes we go to the local tractor distributor or a petting zoo, or just to get icecream. You don't have to spend loads of money, to them it's all an adventure.
9. Cooking and baking is frustrating with a toddler, but do it anyways. They are very sensory in nature, and they love squishing things between their fingers, getting covered in flour, and watching their production come out of the oven. I remember many a time baking with my Mother, and they were always such happy memories. And such a great skill to have as an adult, especially for guys!
10. They will become functional and contributing adults to society one day. I always keep this one in the back of mind on a day-to-day basis. In the future he will have a wife and kids, and other people will have to work and interact with him. I would like him to be a man of honour, integrity, God fearing, loving, compassionate, faithful, and fair. So I better help to instill that in him while he's young and moldable.
These are but a few things that I've learned lately, as I continue to grow in this experience that has both changed me and grown me. And continues to challenge me in the greatest job of my life.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Year of change..and other stuff..
Lots of stuff on our minds these days..We've been involved in looking for jobs these days, well more for Tom then I, as we would both love for me to continue to stay home with Teo.
The economy has tanked in our City and the daunting task of sending out resumes, going for interviews, and being turned down has really taken it's toll on both of us. I went for an interview the other day (more out of curiosity than anything) This is only the 3rd interview I've had in 3 years, since I haven't really needed to, and it ended up lasting 3 hrs!! Crazyness, right?! Loads of mathematical testing, personality testing, etc.. I passed and basically was offered the job, but after much thought I called and let her know my answer. Nope. Don't want to rot my life away in a stressed out customer service position for Sears, with calls off the hook and performance-driven greed. Just can't do it. Sorry.
Tom has the possibility of doing a few days of work this week for a construction company that interviewed him last week. Installing windows etc..So that will help out a little.
We have been seeking out God's will for our lives this past year with intensity. Change is imminent, and not just because of job prospects or lack of them..Teo is starting school this September and we want to be established and hunkered down for him by September. I wont go into depth as to our ideas on this change or any specific details because God is teaching us to trust Him in the big and the small, and to learn to walk into HIS will, and not necessarily just beg for it. Of course he wants us to ask for His answers, but so often we as humans whine about "I'm not hearing the voice of God, which path does he want me to take? Etc" First of all He has given us His Word- The Bible. Every answer you need is in there. Secondly, things are often common sense. He's given us a brain, creativity, and free will. I believe he delights in us making our own decisions within the perimeter of Godly choices. Thirdly, we need to take the initiative and boldness to walk through the doors He is opening. He will shut the one's that aren't right for you, and direct your steps according to his Word. His desire for us is to learn, mature, trust, and to become more like Himself. And these things come with time and experience in watching his provision for you as you choose to walk along the narrow path.
In other news, Teo is doing really well with the toilet training!! I think with boys especially, it takes a little more patience and perserverance, but then one day it's just like BINGO. He's got it, and he's doing sooo well at it! It's a miracle. So cute watching him tear around the house with his Curious George underpants, and not wearing those pull-ups anymore. Cheaper too. He's growing up so fast, and loves his friends at church and family space. His vocab is quickly expanding and people can't believe how much he talks for a boy. He'll be soo ready for School in September, and we are working on the sitting down for a few minutes, listening, and routine. We also pray often for his future teacher's and classmates, so important.
Our house reno's are coming along, and still to complete is: buying and installing countertop in kitchen, painting new cupboard doors, paint 2/3'rds of house, and then we're done. Biggest holdup is the finances. Our flip house across town is still on the market, but we had positive feedback from several people who came through the Open House today. So we're hopeful and waiting..
Took Teo for his first sledding experience recently. He had a blast at the farm with all the church kids, and especially loved the tractor ride that brought them back up to the top each time. Going into the cow barn during milking hour was a big hit, as well as the numerous barn kittens. He had so much fun that we took him again last week, although it was very icy but probably added to the fun! We also spotted our 2nd fox this Winter.
We started a Vegetarian challenge for Tom and I to eat no meat for 1 month. So far so good. We're at a week now and going strong..It's not as tough as I thought it would be, although we had cut out almost all red meat and pork in the last few months, so I guess that makes it easier. It's the lack of chicken that's a little tougher, but it's fun experimenting with veggie meals and learning how to use different forms of protein.
Tom and I have also started to help out with our Sunday School at our church which is always fun and such a privledge to help teach other's little one's about the love of Christ.
Well, that's a little of what's been happening in the Armstrong family. Here's to year 2013, I remember when that seemed soo far away when I was a child. So futuristic, and hard to comprehend. But alas, we move forward. All the best to your family this year too!
The economy has tanked in our City and the daunting task of sending out resumes, going for interviews, and being turned down has really taken it's toll on both of us. I went for an interview the other day (more out of curiosity than anything) This is only the 3rd interview I've had in 3 years, since I haven't really needed to, and it ended up lasting 3 hrs!! Crazyness, right?! Loads of mathematical testing, personality testing, etc.. I passed and basically was offered the job, but after much thought I called and let her know my answer. Nope. Don't want to rot my life away in a stressed out customer service position for Sears, with calls off the hook and performance-driven greed. Just can't do it. Sorry.
Tom has the possibility of doing a few days of work this week for a construction company that interviewed him last week. Installing windows etc..So that will help out a little.
We have been seeking out God's will for our lives this past year with intensity. Change is imminent, and not just because of job prospects or lack of them..Teo is starting school this September and we want to be established and hunkered down for him by September. I wont go into depth as to our ideas on this change or any specific details because God is teaching us to trust Him in the big and the small, and to learn to walk into HIS will, and not necessarily just beg for it. Of course he wants us to ask for His answers, but so often we as humans whine about "I'm not hearing the voice of God, which path does he want me to take? Etc" First of all He has given us His Word- The Bible. Every answer you need is in there. Secondly, things are often common sense. He's given us a brain, creativity, and free will. I believe he delights in us making our own decisions within the perimeter of Godly choices. Thirdly, we need to take the initiative and boldness to walk through the doors He is opening. He will shut the one's that aren't right for you, and direct your steps according to his Word. His desire for us is to learn, mature, trust, and to become more like Himself. And these things come with time and experience in watching his provision for you as you choose to walk along the narrow path.
In other news, Teo is doing really well with the toilet training!! I think with boys especially, it takes a little more patience and perserverance, but then one day it's just like BINGO. He's got it, and he's doing sooo well at it! It's a miracle. So cute watching him tear around the house with his Curious George underpants, and not wearing those pull-ups anymore. Cheaper too. He's growing up so fast, and loves his friends at church and family space. His vocab is quickly expanding and people can't believe how much he talks for a boy. He'll be soo ready for School in September, and we are working on the sitting down for a few minutes, listening, and routine. We also pray often for his future teacher's and classmates, so important.
Our house reno's are coming along, and still to complete is: buying and installing countertop in kitchen, painting new cupboard doors, paint 2/3'rds of house, and then we're done. Biggest holdup is the finances. Our flip house across town is still on the market, but we had positive feedback from several people who came through the Open House today. So we're hopeful and waiting..
Took Teo for his first sledding experience recently. He had a blast at the farm with all the church kids, and especially loved the tractor ride that brought them back up to the top each time. Going into the cow barn during milking hour was a big hit, as well as the numerous barn kittens. He had so much fun that we took him again last week, although it was very icy but probably added to the fun! We also spotted our 2nd fox this Winter.
We started a Vegetarian challenge for Tom and I to eat no meat for 1 month. So far so good. We're at a week now and going strong..It's not as tough as I thought it would be, although we had cut out almost all red meat and pork in the last few months, so I guess that makes it easier. It's the lack of chicken that's a little tougher, but it's fun experimenting with veggie meals and learning how to use different forms of protein.
Tom and I have also started to help out with our Sunday School at our church which is always fun and such a privledge to help teach other's little one's about the love of Christ.
Well, that's a little of what's been happening in the Armstrong family. Here's to year 2013, I remember when that seemed soo far away when I was a child. So futuristic, and hard to comprehend. But alas, we move forward. All the best to your family this year too!
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