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.
Alison@Mama Wants This says
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.
Tonya says
That stuff is great too, but it’s the small moments that mean the most.
Kimberly says
I totally agree. These are fleeting moments that should be cherished. Time flies so quickly.
And patience? That’s an everyday lesson for me!
Tonya says
Patience is my downfall. I have ZERO. I’m working on it though.
Kim says
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.
Tonya says
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?
dysfunctional mom says
I love this, especially #5 and #10…I was just thinking the other day that Moms need time-outs, too!
Tonya says
I put myself in Time Outs regularly!
Amy says
I love “laundry, dishes, and errands can wait, being silly cannot.” So true…and I’m still learning that one!
Tonya says
You and me both. It’s a delicate balance for sure.
June Freaking Cleaver says
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!
Tonya says
I am trying for best! Some days are certainly better than others.
Karen and Gerard says
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.
Runnermom-jen says
Yes!! I agree with it all. Number one is my favorite 🙂
Tonya says
Mine too… how do they do that? Crazy kids. 🙂
Candi Elm says
Ok, now I want to wake up my kids to tell them I love them. They do grow so quickly.
Tonya says
Aw, that’s sweet. Let me know if and when you find the pause button. 🙂
SUPAHMAMA says
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.
Tonya says
That’s my worst fear. Even if the teacher is already getting schooled.
Minivan Mama says
Great list…I guess we can learn a lot from kids!
Tonya says
Every day there’s a lesson my two year old tries to teach, but this list is made up of the highlights.
TheKitchenWitch says
Here from MamaKat! I think all of your lessons are important, but I must say, I especially endorse the cabernet!
Tonya says
Wine is good! No doubt about it. ESPECIALLY when you’re a mom.
Lisa says
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.
Tonya says
I completely agree. I have to bring my son my A game and for me that means lots of TO’s. 🙂
Galit Breen says
Love this friend! So very sweet and touching and as always- excellent reminders! XO
Jeena says
I love #7. I should write it and post it to the corner of my monitor. 🙂
Tonya says
I struggle with it daily. Sometime hourly. No joke. I need it tattooed on my arm!
jackie says
I am definitely learning that time goes by so quickly! And patience is something I struggle with every day as well.
Tonya says
It’s a daily battle. Me vs. my patience level. Ugh.
Dianna says
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!
Jessica says
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!!
Tonya says
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!
Elena says
Love, roll, and laugh!!! Great list– isn’t it funny how these tiny alien like beings can teach us so much!
Shell says
I think #10 is what gets me through the day!
Tonya says
You and me both, sister!
tracy@sellabitmum says
Oh these are perfect. I still try to learn them every day. xo
Tonya says
Yes, school is always in session.
Kir says
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
Tonya says
Thanks, I TRY to learn something new form Lucas every day. Sadly, a lot of lessons need repeating.
Robin @ Farewell, Stranger says
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.
Tonya says
I wondered if anyone else would read the wine part that way. 🙂
I have decided that patience is evil.
CoffeeJitters says
oh I love this list. especially #10 😉
Tonya says
That’s my favorite too!
Tasha says
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. 🙂