Part of the package and not removable Sometimes it seems like a child will grow overnight -- shoes or pants which fit yesterday do not fit today. The same can be said for emotional and mental development. One day a toddler can only say "No" and the next he is putting two thoughts together to form a whole new idea -- it's enough to keep a parent on her toes. Earlier this week my Daughter sent a text to me apologizing for being a toddler once. I knew where this was headed and was tempted to revel in a sense of vindication, but that's poor sportsmanship. Commiserating and pointing out that the toddler season is so short and should be enjoyed as much as possible is much more appropriate -- and adult-like. So it's been a busy week -- developmentally -- for Little Guy. His world is expanding with new concepts and new vocabulary, but he is also learning about boundaries. It's fascinating to see the picture of the circus parade of animals and letters he built just for his Mom -- and recognize the T-Rex is stalking a goldfish cracker. Little Guy is learning when he begs for waffles for breakfast, tears and a tantrum will not turn them into a hamburger and popcorn. He is learning he can fight falling asleep at nap time, but that he is expected to be kind and follow directions even if he is tired. He is learning it only takes a cool-scarf-turned-into-a-cape to be a Superhero and that his nipples are permanently stuck on -- I laughed so hard at the story about how upset he was to discover that he had not one, but two nipples which could not come off, I had to use my inhaler! Exceptionally successful at wonder Every moment of every day can be one of wonder for our children. For a two-year-old, wonder is simply a way of being -- everything in life is so new and ready for exploration. When I think about what it takes to keep a sense of wonder alive for the young people in our lives, I am reminded how we must cultivate wonder for ourselves first. And for those of us who are a bit older or just overcome with the stresses of the world, wonder takes purposeful practice. It takes time and a willingness to use the time to pursue wonder or explore curiosity just for the sake of exploration. To allow joy to grow in our hearts over the everyday miracles which surround us requires we pay attention and allow those wonders to push aside our anxieties. Superheroes are not just fictional characters with extraordinary powers; we also define a superhero as someone who is exceptionally skillful or successful at a particular task. Being exceptionally skilled at wonder is as simple as a toddler quietly watching a DIY water bottle with glitter and telling his Mom she is sparkly too. Become a wonder-superhero this week!
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Nonna's Thoughts are for busy parents who are looking for practical knowledge, and a bit of laughter, in growing strong, joyful families.
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