A few years ago, okay many years ago, I had a very good friend give me a piece of advice that came to mind just the other day.
My daughter, Sarah, was getting frustrated with my grandson, Liam. He was just being a toddler but I was reminded of what my friend told me years ago.
I don’t remember which member of the Braley Bunch was doing it but one of them was driving me crazy! It was that toddler stage and they just wouldn’t listen.
We used to have a daily rant session where a few of us would share our parenting struggles. One day my friend said something that has stayed with me. Now I don’t remember the statement exactly (too many years), but it was something like:
“Did you ever stop to think that the things they do now that annoy you will be the things that benefit them in life?” Hmmm.
She was right then and it applies to Liam now. Basically, he’s in that independent stage. “Me do!” Don’t we want him to grow up and be independent?
He knows what he wants (at times), and he wants to get it. A good trait to have later in life. He also doesn’t want to take “no” for an answer. Hmmm.
Nowadays I have the luxury of being the grandfather. “Don’t want to listen? Fine! Go to your mother.” However I do understand Sarah’s frustrations. Been there, done that, times four.
She does great though letting him do things and explore as long as he’s not in danger. She also gives him a choice in most things so he can feel like he has some control over his world. It’s truly been a pleasure to watch her with him.
I can honestly say I’m proud of all four of my children and the way they’ve grown. They’ve made some mistakes but handled them well and learned from them. It’s amazing sometimes when they say, “Well you always said …..” I think to myself, “Wow! They remembered THAT?”
Maybe mention that piece of advice my friend had to a son or daughter going through the toddler years.
“The things that annoy us now are the things that will benefit them in life”
It doesn’t make much difference when you’re dealing with a tantrum but maybe it’ll give some peace when they lie in bed at night and think about the day.
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