Toddlers have unique mindset
By Staff
Michelle Blaylock, Mom's Corner
"EE oo it!" (Translation: Me do it.) "No, ee wanna oo it!" (Translation: No, me want to do it.)
"It ine, it ine!" (Translation: It's mine, it's mine.) "Ee elp, ee elp!" (Translation: Me help, me help.)
If you've ever had a two-year-old or had the privilege of working with them, then you've heard these words or similar words. They seem to be the cry of independence of the little creatures.
I love the "Toddler Creed" because it so aptly describes the toddler mindset. This version is written by Jason Reeves.
The Toddler Creed
1. If I like it, it's mine.
2. If it's in my hand, it's mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
6. If I'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.
7. If it looks just like mine, it's mine.
8. If I think it's mine, it's mine.
So the question becomes should we let toddlers get away with it? Should they always win the battle of "Mine?" My answer is, "No, of course not."
I have heard many parents (and grandparents) say things like, "Well, they're just babies."
Uh, not really.
Part of our job as parents is to set limits and help our children grow through these little stages of childhood.
You can't expect a two-year-old to be willing to share their favorite toy, but you can expect them to share some of their other things–even if it involves tears in the learning stages.
I had a friend who refused to let their child play with other children because their child didn't understanding sharing.
Her feelings were that it upset their daughter to have to share anything. They didn't want to upset her so they kept her away from other children and gave into her every whim.
It was very hard on the mom and child when this "baby" started kindergarten.
No matter how frustrating toddlers can be, they can be more fun.
For example, Logan needed a diaper change. Logan decided he didn't want a diaper change and hid from his daddy under the desk.
As my hubby is looking for him, he walks into the room and says, "Anyone seen Logan?" Logan calls out, "I'm hiding." Too cute.
When Wade was born, our oldest wasn't quite three. She had been a particular headache one day, trying my patience in just about every way possible.
In a fit of frustration I said, "Young lady, you'd better straighten up and fly right or else."
She looked at me, stood up really straight and in the most puzzle way said, "But Mommy I can't fly, I don't have wings."
I couldn't help but laugh. Toddlers can be so literal!
When my third baby was born she was jaundice and we had to sun her each morning for several days.
I had gotten a plant from a friend when I was in the hospital and had made a big deal of having my two older children help me care for the plant.
I talked about the sunshine and water it needed to grow.
I was out on the porch one morning sunning the baby when my two-year-old came out to play.
He asked what I was doing and I explained that the baby needed sunshine to make her healthy.
He looked at me kind of strange and said, "Do we need to water her, too? Can I do it?"
Umm, let me try that one again.
I hope you have a great week if you have a tip, suggestion, or question please send it to Mom's Corner; P.O. Box 1496; Hartselle, AL 35640, or e-mail moms-corner@juno.com.
