Things we learn from toddlers........

I have to admit, the first time around I didn't learn much about toddlers because I was so freaked out by the one I had. I'm guessing because it was my first and I had no clue what to expect from this little person with such a great set of lungs!!?? This time around I'm much older and much more laid back so I'm trying to enjoy toddlerhood for what it is worth - a lesson in human behavior. In a sense, we all want to act like toddlers and as adults some of us do still act like toddlers on occasion. What a wonderful little world they live in - everything is theirs. If they see it - it is theirs. If they touch it - it is theirs. If it even pops into their head - it is theirs. And they will stop at nothing to get it!!! Can you imagine biting a total stranger because they took 'your parking space'? It would feel darn good but it is not a very practical solution in the adult world. Maybe we should try this sometime just to see how other adults will respond. The next time someone at the grocery store takes something off the shelf that you were looking at - just start throwing a tantrum and tell them in no uncertain terms that the can of beans in their hand - is YOURS!!!!! Yes, there are other cans just like it and other brands but that is the can you had your heart set on and you want it NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hmmm, I'm guessing you would be escorted from Tom Thumb by the police.

Another wonderful aspect of a toddlers life is that they never give up on trying to get your attention or get their point across. E can stand there and tell me 100 times in a row that he wants his pacifier. I am trying to wean the paci so I try at first to ignore him thinking he'll stop saying "I want white blue" over and over. I'm better at ignoring him than the rest of the family but he can even wear down my reserve. As I try patiently to reason with him as to why it is not a good time for 'white blue', he is still repeating "I want white blue" as if I'm not even speaking. I know that if I push the issue too much to get him to stop - we will fall back into the category above where he will stake his claim on 'white blue' and the battle will begin. Again, let's pretend that in the adult world we can get what we want by repeating our desires to those around us: So march right into your bosses office and begin proclaiming "I want a raise, I want a raise, I want a raise, I want a raise". I'm thinking that wouldn't work well for an adult either. Not only would you not get a raise but your boss would start looking for your replacement first thing the next morning and would report to H.R. that you needed mental help.

It wouldn't be so bad being a toddler again - everyone waits on you hand and foot. When you get tired of walking, someone picks you up and carries you the rest of your way to your destination. When you are hungry - someone brings you food. You get to sleep when you want to sleep and take naps when you feel like it. Everyone thinks you are precious (which explains why we don't sell toddlers to the circus when they are throwing tantrums or repeating their desires ad naseum). You can say things about people and not get into trouble because "you are young and do not know better". I'm telling you....toddler life is good stuff. I'm feeling a nap coming on. Later!!