Toddlerhood Ahead

Toddlerhood. I didn't expect it to be a walk in the park. I knew that if millions of parents said it was arduous, then it must be a bit of a struggle. If most children become a little obstinate then, no matter how good I am as a parent, my child will be headstrong at times as well. I was hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. I have seen my share of painful pounding-the-floor fits, heart-wrenching I-hate-you screams, and embarrassing football-hold evacuations. I am ready.

I used to gloat in how well behaved my sweetie could be. She would follow me when I asked, leave things alone when I said don't touch, and eat her meals cooperatively (albeit with quite a large mess). I basked in the obedience being bestowed on me because I knew very well that it was temporary.

And now it has begun. She wants to walk. But not in the right direction. I give her a moment then redirect her only to have her make a scene like I am torturing her out in the public streets. I usually have to distract her by turning carrying her into a fun ride. Then she laughs and forgets we aren't going in the direction she was determined to explore. Whew.

She doesn't want to leave what she is looking at yet. She doesn't want to stop to have her diaper changed. She doesn't want mom to use anything that she can't touch, like a phone or a pen or a dirty dustpan. She doesn't want to eat that. The whole world revolves around her and she can't understand why we, who love her so, aren't doing as she wishes!

I am quite thankful that so far crying is her only arsenal. No punching or kicking or hitting. I try to keep my reactions level headed and set the example of patience and gentleness. In all reality sometimes I feel like letting out a pressure releasing scream. Like when she forgets why she is upset and isn't quite sure what is required to make her feel better. She cries to be put down and then is upset that I would have the audacity to do so and wants right back up.

I think her current unhinged persona may be a little exemplified this week because she has had her sleep thrown off by a church conference that necessitated both later nights and earlier mornings. Mom and dad are left spiritually awakened and encouraged while she, though she emphatically loved all the music services, is left feeling utterly drained.

Then, in the on-top-of-everything-else fashion that it always seems to take, she is currently getting her second molar. Red cheeks. Drooling. Inconsistent naps that are short one day, double length the next. Come on, little tooth! Stop thinking about it and make your debut so that my sweetheart is released from the resulting pain! Then, hopefully, my daughter will be a little less emotional.

But if not, we'll just have to roll with the punches. Keep calm, mommy, keep calm. As her communication improves she will be a little less frustrated. And you'll be able to be more precise in your comforting instead of general "it will be okay" reassuring when you actually have no idea what "it" is.

Hmmm. Sounds like a woman.