Up until recently our main responsibility has just been meeting Mathew's basic life needs. Feed baby-check, bathe baby-check, change baby-check. Don't get me wrong, even those things were pretty tough in the beginning because he constantly needed something from us. But the last several months have been such smooth sailing. He adores bath time, he's a great eater, and I guess we just got used to constantly changing diapers. Main parenting goals were keeping him alive, healthy, and happy.
But, then he turned one, and I think he somehow got the memo that he is now a "toddler." Who defines a toddler as a one year old anyways?! He's still a baby, MY baby darn it! But, I digress... So, at his one year check up they asked if he'd begun having temper tantrums and warned us that they'd probably soon be approaching and not to fret, it's a normal part of the developmental stage. I swear MJ heard what she said and understood it and decided, "Hehe, time for me to give mommy and daddy a little run for their money!" Now I know we are nowhere even near to full blown temper tantrums. Thank goodness he doesn't even know how to tell us "no!" yet. But, things have been progressing and I'm starting to wonder, Hmmmm....I guess it's time we actually have to start "parenting" him rather than just meeting his physical and emotional needs. So, I'm thinking it's time for this mama (and dada) to do a little reading. "Happiest Toddler on the Block" here we come! Lets hope it works for us as well as "Happiest Baby on the Block" did. MJ has now learned how throw himself on the ground and arch his back screaming and crying. Ummm...what is the appropriate response? Hopefully ignoring it for a moment, because that's what we're going with for now. :) Luckily it only lasts all of about 10 seconds and then he's usually ready for a cuddle or content to go about playing again. He really is such a happy little guy that the occasional scream fest is warranted every now and then I suppose. Just a little lesson though that our guy is changing once again.
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3 comments:
Gee, as the GiGi I cannot help but read this with a chuckle. Dear Daughter, you are so "right on", as always, with the description of the transition/s in parenting. As a parent one is constantly adapting to the different stages of your "baby", no matter the age. Let the fun begin...
I can't wait to see him and the tantrums. I'm sure getting him out of his routine won't help! ;) KW
Gotta love the temper tantrums! Annie started those around 9 months. Oh joy! :)
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