I Swear My Toddler Is Out To Get Me
Or at least it feels that way…
Everyone talks about the terrible twos and how rough they are, but until you have a toddler going through them is when it will really hit home what everyone meant.
It is like overnight, they go from this mushy, chunky baby to walking, talking, sassy toddler over night.
As a mom, we can’t wait until our babies learn how to crawl, then walk, and then talk.
And once they do, you get a full dose of their personalities that was bottled all up in there.
With personality, they also realize that they are their own person.
And being their own person, they start to think they don’t need any help from mommy or daddy.
But because they are still little people still trying figure things out, they are not completely free from us.
This is where the conflict arises and why the terrible twos begin happening.
Or at least when I noticed the shift.
My daughter started asserting her independence around 18–20 months old when she was saying more words and was dang near running around our house.
She thought that since she didn’t have to be held and could speak a few words, then that meant that she could do what she wanted to do.
Wrong, sis.
As she began testing out her freedom, we had to start setting boundaries and actually start telling her no when she encountered something that was unsafe.
And of course, like most kids she didn’t appreciate being told no.
But as her parents, we know what is best and we have to teach them right from wrong and what is safe versus what is not safe.
If a meltdown happens as a result of us trying to be good parents then so be it.
I have just come to the conclusion that meltdowns are just a part of parenthood.
We can do our best to try to avoid them as much as we can , but they are going to happen.
And they are not going to just happen within the comforts of our home.
They are going to happen in grocery store, in the parking lot, and in the back of your car while they are in their car seats.
Man those are the worst.
But, what I have learned with my daughter is how to react when she is having a meltdown.
My first thought was to yell and even pop her on the hand to get her to quiet down, but I realized rather quickly that was not going to work.
In fact, my daughter would actually yell louder and cry longer when I did that.
And I was already embarrassed that my daughter was acting out in the first place, so I did not want more of what she was doing.
So I had to find another way.
And what I found was that by remaining calm during her meltdowns allowed her to start calming down quicker.
I didn’t ignore her like many people say to do, but I talked calmly to her and let her know that I understand why she would be upset and that whatever it is that she is wanting to do, we can do it another time.
The key to me doing this was using a calmer tone while also gently rubbing her on the back.
And she would slowly calm down.
For any mommas who come across this, this is possible.
You can remain calm with a toddler in tow.
If you are looking for more tips on how to be a calmer mom with a toddler, check out this post below.
Read More: How To Be A Calmer Mom With A Toddler
I will catch you all next time!
Love,
Just Jass