My son has already taught me so much in his short 26 months on earth; lessons I didn’t even realize I had learned until after the fact, some I desperately needed to learn and many I’m still struggling to embrace. I know my teacher has only just begun and there is much more wisdom to be gained, but in 26 months, here’s what I’ve learned so far:
- Play, dance, sing, run, eat – essentially, do everything with abandon!
- Find pleasure in the small things. There is wonder all around us, whether it’s an ant moving along the sidewalk, a water fountain, an orange tree, a song I’ve heard a hundred times or literally stopping to smell the roses.
- Playtime and imagination are necessary for survival. Laundry, dishes and errands can wait, being silly cannot.
- Love. As boundless as I think my love for Lucas is, it grows each and every day surprising and touching me in ways I never thought possible.
- Roll with the punches, go with the flow and realize that plans change. Toddler time is different that real time and that’s okay. I’m learning to plan accordingly.
- Laugh more. Some words and sounds (typically of the bodily function variety) are funny.
- Patience is most definitely a virtue. This is one of those teachings I struggle with. Daily!
- Connection is key. Sitting down and communicating with others helps to see things from a different perspective and lets you know they care.
- Time flies when you’re having fun. Toddlers are only toddlers for a short period of time and every single moment should be appreciated.
- Every now and then, a time-out is in order. Breaks are good. Counting to 10, breathing deeply and full bodied Cabernets aren’t bad either!
What is your child teaching you?
This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop,
Prompt 4.) 10 Lessons your child could teach you.
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I completely relate and agree! I’ve learnt that I shouldn’t sweat the small stuff. And the stuff that used to matter (regular hair cuts, facials, alone toilet time etc) doesn’t really. And to live fully in the moment.
That stuff is great too, but it’s the small moments that mean the most.
I totally agree. These are fleeting moments that should be cherished. Time flies so quickly.
And patience? That’s an everyday lesson for me!
Patience is my downfall. I have ZERO. I’m working on it though.
I find it so fascinating how our little ones have love that is boundless yet they need boundaries and thrive with connection. Those three seem to weave together in their daily lives, and it always keeps me on my toes, thinking what is best for my child. I love this list, and everything on it is so true. I’ve never learned so much about life and love as I have from my children, my teachers.
It does seem like a juxtaposition, doesn’t it? And being kept on your toes? That’s the very definition of motherhood, isn’t it?
I love this, especially #5 and #10…I was just thinking the other day that Moms need time-outs, too!
I put myself in Time Outs regularly!
I love “laundry, dishes, and errands can wait, being silly cannot.” So true…and I’m still learning that one!
You and me both. It’s a delicate balance for sure.
I know you’ve probably heard this a million times, but they really do grow up so quickly…you’re wise to treasure it moment as it comes!
I am trying for best! Some days are certainly better than others.
These all sound like good lessons! I think adjusting to Toddler time would be the hardest for me. I think connection is key!
Stopping by from writers workshop.
Yes!! I agree with it all. Number one is my favorite
Mine too… how do they do that? Crazy kids.
Ok, now I want to wake up my kids to tell them I love them. They do grow so quickly.
Aw, that’s sweet. Let me know if and when you find the pause button.
Fabulous post.
Toddlers ARE only toddlers for such a short time, now that mine are preschoolers I definitely have times where I just want to turn back the clock a little longer. Soon they’ll know EVERYTHING and Mommy will know NOTHING.
That’s my worst fear. Even if the teacher is already getting schooled.
Great list…I guess we can learn a lot from kids!
Every day there’s a lesson my two year old tries to teach, but this list is made up of the highlights.
Here from MamaKat! I think all of your lessons are important, but I must say, I especially endorse the cabernet!
Wine is good! No doubt about it. ESPECIALLY when you’re a mom.
I’m a huge fan of the personal time-out myself. If the mom gets a time-out on a regular basis then more children get to live. Great list.
I completely agree. I have to bring my son my A game and for me that means lots of TO’s.
Love this friend! So very sweet and touching and as always- excellent reminders! XO
I love #7. I should write it and post it to the corner of my monitor.
I struggle with it daily. Sometime hourly. No joke. I need it tattooed on my arm!
I am definitely learning that time goes by so quickly! And patience is something I struggle with every day as well.
It’s a daily battle. Me vs. my patience level. Ugh.
Visiting from Mama Kat’s. This is a very nice list; sounds as though you KNOW to enjoy every moment. I also chose this prompt, but my post has a twist since my son is grown!
This is such a great post. Really heartfelt, and I agree with each and every one of them. I especially love number7. Patience is a daily struggle for me, something I really do have to work on. Stopping by from Mama Kats!!
If a toddler can’t teach patience, I don’t know who can. I hope to have more some day. Both toddlers and patience.
Thanks for stopping by!
Love, roll, and laugh!!! Great list– isn’t it funny how these tiny alien like beings can teach us so much!
I think #10 is what gets me through the day!
You and me both, sister!
Oh these are perfect. I still try to learn them every day. xo
Yes, school is always in session.
oooh how I loved this prompt because I knew I’d need the tissues for most of them, and I do. Lucas you are a genius, teaching your mom (and then all of us) this very important stuff. BE YOU, little guy, you’re doing a great job with all your “students” xo
Thanks, I TRY to learn something new form Lucas every day. Sadly, a lot of lessons need repeating.
You let him drink wine?!
I love the perspective they offer us. And I hear you on the patience thing – I have to work on that every day too.
I wondered if anyone else would read the wine part that way.
I have decided that patience is evil.
oh I love this list. especially #10
That’s my favorite too!
So, true. There are seasons to life. The season in which they are toddlers is all at once wonderful and exhausting.
And I’m so with ya, ain’t nothing a good Cab can’t make easier.
I wrote on the same thing, btw.