Trying Toddlers

Summer has arrived. The sun is up early (as are the kids), the days are humid, and cicadas chirp on into the night. On hot afternoons my toddler loves to sit out on the front verandah and wash spoons. I set her up with a big bowl of cold washing up water, a tea towel, and every plastic spoon we own. She always has a delightful time “cleaning” the spoons for me, and ends up soaking wet!

Today the poor kid couldn’t do anything right. She was just into everything and most of my sentences seemed to start with, “NO….!” She’d been quiet out on the verandah with her spoons – too quiet. When I looked to see what she was doing my first reaction was to rouse on her, but then I saw her face. She was smiling innocently, and was so proud of herself. “I’m helping you Mummy,” she said. She had taken all the underwear off the airing racks and was giving them an “extra clean” in her dishwashing water! I took a deep breath and instead of yelling, thanked her for her thoughtfulness and helped her to squeeze the water out.

Life is certainly trying with toddlers, even when they’re trying hard. I think as mums we need to be able to look past their actions to see their intentions. Often their heart is in the right place and they are genuinely trying to please us, even if they don’t do things quite the way we’d like.

Our reactions can also leave a lasting impression. In praising my daughter today instead of rousing, I hope I sent the message that I appreciated her help and the initiative she showed. Perhaps it will mean that in the future she’ll be happy to wash a pile of dirty dishes, or clothes, without being asked. Just not in the same water!