No, our 2-year 9-month-old Little A. is not lacking either of these attributes. We are both amazed and frustrated daily by his actions and words. I don’t remember much about being 2, but I’m sure his world is fairly tough to navigate at this point with a new little brother, inconsistent routine due to the holidays, and a strong desire and strong will to eat, do, play, say…well, whatever he wants.
His favorite activities these days include building with Lego Duplo blocks (he made an impressive ‘blue elephant that squirts water out of his trunk’ and a ‘black and white striped zebra with a swinging tail’ the other night – unfortunately this delayed bath time by 10 minutes), playing with his wooden trains on his table his Papa Kevin built for him (he recently had all of his trains become derailed in a storm with thunder and lightning requiring him to stage a massive rescue effort), and anything related to helicopters. Unless you want to hear the word ‘No’ or a high-pitched squeal, or go on a wild goose chase around the house, do not dare ask him to stop what he is doing to eat a nutritious meal, go to the potty, get his bath, change his clothes, or go to bed. Yes, each of these structured, daily routines is met with some opposition. We have recently implemented a ‘Listening and Following’ sticker chart when he is caught being good by listening and following directions. The goal is to reward him frequently at first and then more intermittently as he improves. His first goal is to earn a new remote-control helicopter when he reaches the 50 sticker mark. Although he can be a challenge, A. really is a great kid, so it shouldn’t take him too long to figure all this out!
On one of our last days of Winter break together, when it was 20 degrees outside, A. and I built garages for Lightning, Sarge, and Mater. They needed some shelter to warm them up, and we needed an activity to channel some energy.
This is the face of a precious boy who was just caught sneaking shortbread cookie dough under the pillows in his 'boat' on the couch. I knew something was up when he yelled, 'Mom, don't come in here. I'm busy.' I had just told him he could not have anymore veggie sticks before dinner, so apparently he pulled a chair from the kitchen table to the refrigerator, opened the door, and helped himself.
While everyday is new and exciting, and we can’t possibly anticipate what mind-blowing thoughts might pop into his head, everyday with him also presents challenges in parenthood. I know, I know – this is only the beginning, and we are not alone. I am currently taking recommendations for any Christian motivational parenting books.
