Literally anything and everything can be turned into an activity with your toddler. Yesterday Ruby couldn’t quiet herself enough to nap. We busied ourselves with needed housework.
What I’ve found works best for my two year old daughter, Ruby is to give her tasks. For example, while I load the laundry I have her help me put items into the machine. When we do this we count each item as it goes in. Next, I’ll ask her what color the clothing items are. Another task I have her do is put her toys away in her basket and stack all of her books. She thinks this is a fun game and always receives an applaud at her completion. This also helps to build her sense of mastery and independence.
After we changed over the final load of laundry for the day, we cuddled up in front of our lit fire place. I had my hot coffee in hand while she slurped from her straw of chocolate milk. We wrapped a blanked around us and read our Valentine’s books. Next, we used the blanket as a fort to play in. She’d pop herself up periodically in a burst of happiness. Her thin hairs on her head would stand with static. She looked like a little ball of energy.
As I gazed at her my eyes scanned the room we were sitting in. Sunlight occasionally glided in through the windows. Each time it did it illuminated our pink and red balloons from Valentines. The warm hues would wash over the walls, floors, and us. I’d bring my focus back to my little girl and look at her in wonder. Her cheeks flushed. Her hair standing on end. And her big grin on her face. I thought to myself, “How did I get so lucky?”
Life choices got me to this point. Not all of my choices were the best. But they were the catalyst to learning and change that ultimately brought about better decisions. And this is the point I want to leave you with, nothing in life is wasted. Nothing you have previously done and will do will go to waste. All of it has been stepping stones to your future. One day you’ll look back at your moments and realize they were exactly what you needed to give you the life you now possess.
For more ideas on parenting your toddler, check out this great article by Nurture and Thrive: 8 Tips For Parenting Your Two-Year-old: Win Their Hearts and Their Cooperation. I found the information to be insightful and helpful!
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