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7 Interesting Things My Toddler Has Taught Me And Why I Am So Thankful
As a busy bee and a first-time mom, I am always on the go. Learning how to do things simpler, better, to save me time and increase productivity. Patience, humility, and enjoying the moment are only a few of the things my toddler has taught me.
Over the past two years since having my little one, I have learned so much. Some interesting, some shocking, funny stuff and other times not so much.
Breastfeeding vs. bottle, sleep training methods, maternity leave, daycare etc. are all the big things. Then there are the small lessons, the things my toddler has taught me.
Here Are Seven Things My Toddler Has Taught Me About Being A Mom
1. Patience Is A Virtue!
Yes it really is, and you know what else? Your kids provide you with a refillable cup of patience. They will try to test you, bring you to the verge of losing your sanity, then push you right over! Yet you still find patience, even if it’s just an ounce of it.
2. The Colour White Is Not Your Friend
It starts when they are teeny tiny. A newborn baby spits up on your white dress or top. Oh well, you think. I have the cutest, healthiest baby in the world.
Then you feed them solid food, and they play with the food or throw it at you. When they crawl, they get their hands into everything.
Dirt, pudding, baby food. Then they use you as a crutch to stand up. Smearing those white pants or leggings you have on.
But no, they don’t stop there; they get going when they start to walk. Nothing is safe.
The walls, carpet sofa; did I mention clothes? Just avoid white. It is not your friend.
3. A Hug Can Change Everything
I have a toddler, so we are in the “terrible two’s” phase right now.
My little one seems to just love the word ‘NO.’ No this, no that.
Sometimes he is just being extra, and other times it is for attention or affection.
So when your child is exhibiting behaviour that could take Maria Theresa off of her pedestal, give them a hug.
It can change everything. Even if they pretend not to want it.
4. Stop Comparing Yourself To Other Moms
I cannot stress this enough. So many first-time moms compare themselves to other moms.
Feel guilty about not knowing the exact and perfect thing to do in each situation. Stop it. There is no point.
You do not have the same child, so how could everything that works for one mom work for another?
I am from a family of five kids and we are all so different.
Sure we have similar traits but if we were to be described individually, I am sure that no three traits would be the same.
Live your life in a way that makes you happy, and do what is best for you and your baby.
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5. Your House Will Never Be Completely Clean
The sooner you accept that the better.
I used to drive myself crazy trying to wipe crumbs off the table, clean up spilt juice, clear all the toys away.
I was like a helicopter, hovering over my little one, watching him with hawk eyes. The moment the crumb dropped to the floor, I was there with the dust-buster.
But hey – I have learned my lesson. There is just no point in doing all that.
My little one gets irritated at this mama bear who will not leave his side because she is intent on getting that one drop of juice wiped off his chin.
No one is happy.
So I just let him make a mess and when we are going from one activity to the next I clean.
He also loves being mama’s little helper so we turn it into a fun game too.
The house is never spotless and I doubt it ever will be, who cares? Imperfection is okay.
6. Things Change So Quickly
Often times I look at my toddler and I am so amazed by him and all he can do already.
At times it seems like overnight he grew up and can now do something he couldn’t the day before.
His sentences, both in English and German are getting better by the day.
It is marvelous how much information he can soak up and repeat or explain to me.
The milestones are wonderful and I am savouring each and every moment.
7. Never Underestimate Your Child
These 3-foot nothings are so amazing! They know much more than they can currently express in words!
I have learned never to underestimate my little one. My little one says “mama” maybe a thousand times a day.
No kidding.
This is probably the most interesting of the things my toddler has taught me because children can do so much.
At times they may take their time until they are ready and sure of themselves.
Never underestimate the fact that they are capable. Know when to talk and when to listen.
Being A Mother Is Also About Much More Than That, Isn’t It?
It is a gift and a privilege that I hold very close to my heart.
My toddler has taught me to cherish the countless moments and memories, have and demonstrate this unique and unconditional love.
Thanks to my little one, every day’s an adventure.
I am living a life with a love that is boundless, endless, and therefore unconditional.
Are you a first-time parent, or a parent with grown up kids? Please share with me one or two things you have learned from your child.
Looking forward to hearing them.
25 comments
This was a great post to read. very touching and its incredible how much you learn after becoming a parent. I never knew that I’d have so much patience or the importance of a hug every day.
Oh my how all of those are so true. So true.
It’s so great that we can learn so much from each other. Thanks for sharing and all the very best with your special son.
As a mother it is critical to understand the emotions of your toddler. I like how you mentioned the famed hug as an antidote for many a tantrum exhibiting behavior.
I love this post, it is so true and we’re all in the same boat. A lovely reminder 🙂
All so very true, it’s amazing how much small people can teach us about ourselves!
Being a mother truly is a precious gift that should be cherished! Ah I loved this post, straight from the heart 🙂
I love this post. I am a mom of two boys and I have to say when I was a first time mom I felt the need to keep up with those other moms. Immaculate clean homes and my child could not get dirty. Oh how things have changed for me when I realized that they will only be little once. I chose to change my ways and live in the moment because we can never get those back. The house chores and the sky high pile of laundry can wait. #Alittlebitofeverything link up
These photos are so cute!! I’m not a mother but I babysit a lot so I can relate to your points, definitely not wearing white with babies around again ahah
Personally the thing I love the most is when they run towards you with their arms opened., babies can be so spontaneous and sweet.
Oh wow. It’s good that you take all those things happening with the toddler as learning experiences. I’d probably become crazy if someone would mess up my all-white indecor or my white clothes haha. All the best to you and the toddler 🙂
I’m currently pregnant with my first, and honestly look forward to all the adventures he will take me on both physically and mentally. I’m actually excited to be ‘tested’ by him when he arrives, and working out their tiny little individual personality traits! I cannot wait!
Much love, caitylis x x
Hahaha yes to all of this!!! I stopped with all the white anything because my daughter and white anything just don’t mix lol. I was just wasting money buying matting white lol
I I’m not a mom but hats off to all the mom’s for their incredible role and managing work life balance! I don’t understand how come they have so much energy to manage everything! I
I love this post! i agree with all points!! such a beautiful relationship to have! You and your toddler are beautiful!
II am a proud aunt of 2 and I can relate to everything you are saying because I used to live with my brother and his family until recently. I have learned so many things from them and as you say, you can never clean the house because they are faster than we are 🙂 after all they have more energy than we do. But at the end of the day that is not important, imperfection is okay!
Isn’t being a Mama wonderful?! All the things they teach us, ESPECIALLY patience. And I completely agree…a hug can and does change everything!
I love this post. I can relate to all the points you mentioned especially being patient and not comparing with other moms.
Patience .I have discovered reserves I never had .It’s amazing what a little one can teach you .Also the house never being completely clean. Now my daughter is 5 and I am able to.see dust again.Loved reading this .
This is super sweet, my fave time when my son was small was toddler age. It’s great that we can learn things even from a toddler 🙂
Every freaking day my toddler teaches me patience. And every day I don’t learn the lesson 😉
These are all great lessons we should all learn. Crazy how kids bring out the best (and sometime worst hahaha) in us.
We have a white couch I inherited – it never stood a chance! Definitely not good when you have kids!
Love the post. I am a mom of 3 with my last one due in January. The biggest thing I have learned is to talk to my kids as much as possible. In an age where people communicate through technology, I set a technology timeout everyday just so we can talk about our day. The other important thing I learned from my kids is to support and encourage what they love. My oldest has tried different clubs and sports but my youngest 2 have found a passion in football and dance. They both excel at their passions and love every minute they spend doing them.
Some great lessons you’ve learnt from your toddler. The one about hugs really touched home with me, it can really brighten my day to get a hug.
Great list! I have 4 kids ages 10. 8, 5 and 2, and everything you said is completely true. One thing I have learned from my youngest is that everything he does (from playing to running to throwing a fit), he does with PASSION! It is a joy to watch