Ever since Liam became mobile, our whole world has been turned upside down. We are constantly trying to teach him new boundaries. But he is just soooo darn curious! Lately we have been having to shut the baby gate to the laundry room where we keep the dogs water bowl and crates. It is not uncommon for Liam to flip the water bowl over and then crawl inside one of the dog crates, shutting the door behind him.
Recently Jolyn shared her copy of "On Becoming Toddler Wise" with me. I have had many moments while reading this book where I have breathed a sigh of relief at knowing that Eric and I are not alone in our struggles. I thought I would share a passage from the chapter on The Walking, Talking, Curious Toddler for those of you who may be going through the same thing.
"During the one-year span between 12 and 24 months, the walking, talking, exploring toddler multiples the demands of mother's time, energy and patience more than any other period in his life. It is also a time when clashes of the will abound, for the walking-about toddler is in the process of not only testing his legs but also trying new experiences with his hands. His mind has also caught up with his legs, so asserting himself accompanies his mobility. If left to himself, unhindered by moral and safety concerns, this little person can empty a bookshelf in minutes, connect with Hong Kong on Dad's cell phone, drink from the bird-bath, splash little hands in the toilet, drain the last sips of leftover beverages, flee the kitchen with a table knife, or take a nap in the dog house - which, after all else, would be a positive thing.
Ah yes, the mobile toddler. There is no question that a toddler's mom is a tired mom, and for good reason. The emotional and physical energy needed to supervise an energy-packed tot can take down the most physically fit mom. If your toddler happens to be a boy, add fifty percent more energy. Never so beautiful does this child look to his weary mom as he does when he closes his eyes in sleep."
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