My friend, Amy, sent me the link to this page a few weeks ago. It was written by Kate Dust, EduKids Education Director. And let me tell you, it came at the perfect moment. With two toddlers, things can get hairy at times and my patience tested. You begin to wonder if you're doing anything right at all! But it is encouraging to know that this is a phase, it is normal and it will pass. I copied-and-pasted the article for you to be encouraged as well. (Thanks for passing this along, Amy!)
The Toddler’s Creed
“If I want it, it’s mine.
If I give it to you & I change my mind later, it’s mine.
If I can take it away from you, it’s mine.
If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.
If it’s mine, it will never belong to anybody else, no matter what.
If we are building something together, all the pieces are mine.
If it looks like mine, it is mine.”
Anon
No truer words have ever been spoken.
The Toddler’s Creed is a long standing “poem” used in working with toddler teachers. It’s also a resource given to parents once their beautiful, bouncing baby learns to toddle and walk, starts to see the world in a whole new way and discovers they have the incredible power to grab and hold on to whatever they see and want!
Toddlerhood is the “Me!” stage – the “I want!” stage – the “I can!” stage and it is highlighted by the toddler mantra: “NO!” This is healthy development!
If you have lived through the toddler stage at your home and both you and your toddler have come out of it as stronger individuals, congratulations! If you are in it now, smile and put away the china! If you have a lovely little bundle still in a crib and buggy, get ready! Toddler time is right around the corner! Hurray!
I love toddlers! They are smart, funny and full of life! Research tells us that from birth to 3 years old, we grow the quickest, our brains develop the detailed wiring that is needed in every aspect of life, our sense of self is established and we truly understand the power of communication. Those totally dependent infants can now run, talk, and take your hand. They want a book read, make choices, look for friends, float boats in the tub and literally grow before our eyes. It’s astonishing!
So…
When toddlers are egocentric — be patient.
When toddlers want to dress themselves — give them time.
When toddlers are curious and want everything they see — be sure it is safe.
When toddlers are running all over the place — run with them.
When toddlers are defiant — don’t take it personally.
When toddlers want only you — hold on to them and enjoy each moment!
-Written by Kate Dust, EduKids Education Director
Thanks for the reminder Mindy- this is SO true! We've been in the phase with Ava for a wile and are now entering it with Ella....she said "MINE" very loudly to her older sister for the first time last week-- let the fighting begin!!!
ReplyDeleteYou get it two at a time!! Hopefully they are sharing a little bit....