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I am PROUD to share my life, experience and love with others in hope to inspire them to do the same.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Through my Toddlers Eyes

I recently read an article that made me really think what life must be like through Tristen's eyes. As many of you know first hand living with a Toddler is not easy in the least. We are constantly running after them picking up the disaster they make, telling them NO when they get into something they are not supposed to and get frustrated when they discover a new thing to play with that is not theirs.

The article used the example of a toddler playing with the tape dispenser and instead of yelling no and taking the dispenser away they suggested to rip off the tape they have pulled out and say the tape is not for the toddler and putting it away. Letting them play with the tape because it is a new sensory experience and letting them explore is how children learn.

It made me think of the many times I have said no when T was doing something he was not supposed to instead of remembering he is just a toddler exploring his environment. For example the other day Tristen came running into the living room sooo proud because he got the coffee grounds out of the trash and they felt so neat on his hands...I of course flipped out because I knew my kitchen was now covered in coffee grinds. After reading this article it made me think how I could have handled that better and explained to him that the trash is not for him and then used the time to let him explore the coffee grinds, I mean he wasn't eating them I could have grabbed the art paper right there and let him "paint" with them. Plus it was my own fault for letting the trash get high enough for him to reach in and grab it. (Note: We do have a lid but it broke and we have yet to get a new one)

Sometimes it is hard to remember that they are just toddlers, 18 months old in my case, and just don't know better. They are not purposely trying to ruin your nice clean floors, they are just exploring their environment. I love reading articles like this because it brings me out of my "I am Mom" mode and helps me really look at the why my child does the things he does and how I can be a better parent.

http://thestir.cafemom.com/toddler/115208/stop_being_mean_to_your

1 comment:

  1. I've been there too, quickly scolding my toddler for something that wasn't even a big deal. You're such a wonderfully dedicated mom.

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