A Cup of Catherine

Life Lessons (From My Toddler)

by

Lately I’ve been all sorts of moody and dramatic, but one thing that always, always puts a smile on my face is my son.

God is he hysterical.

Even though he’s not a big talker yet, I am amazed at how much his little personality shines through.

He’s daring—as evidenced by how quickly he climbs onto the back of the couch to STAND and stare out the window. Birdie!

He’s analytical—which was made obvious back when he was just a few months old and would rotate the musical snow globe in his hands, eyeing it up-and-down, trying to figure out how the music played

He’s picky—because any food he doesn’t want to try is tossed to the dog in seconds

He’s intuitive—when he climbs into my lap and lays his head on my chest any time I’m feeling overwhelmed or sad

And, while he really grates on my nerves sometimes when he screams (yet again) during diaper changes or won’t let me put him down long enough to change in to my “comfy clothes” after work, he’s just so much fun.

He’s taught me how to be a mother (which was is a lot of trial and error!) but, in his own little way, he’s also taught me some other life lessons.

My son taught me to be a mom - but he's also taught me some life lessons as a toddler.

My toddler has taught me…

that hummus + crackers = a perfectly acceptable dinner 

that sleeping late is NOT shameful but something that should be cherished (mostly because we never get to sleep late anymore)

that nobody is too old for silly faces or impromptu dance parties

that hissy fits and tantrums should be reserved for toddlers, not grown women

that ice cream, fro-yo, and any other treats are better when they are shared

that I spend way too much time on my phone

that every moment of every day doesn’t have to be perfectly structured

that clutter isn’t the end of the world

that stemless wine glasses are a great investment (because they’re more difficult for tiny hands to grab off the table)

that “work” can and should be put off for cuddles

that strangers can become friends (especially if you toddle up to them in the supermarket and give them a random hug—maybe the hugging should be left to toddlers, but we adults can partake in smiles and conversations instead!)

that whatever somebody else has is interesting and seems like something you must have, but in reality isn’t the best thing for you (like sharp knives, glass bottles, you know, the cool stuff!)

that going outside is often the solution to your current problem

that it really doesn’t matter how your clothes fit—it’s how you feel in them 

that running through life is often better than simply walking

that usually it’s worth the risk to just go for what you want (unless it’s the iPhone plug or aforementioned knife!)

that life is short and simple moments should be savored <3

[linking up for thinking out loud]

  • What’s a lesson you’ve learned recently (from a child or not)?
  • What’s the funniest thing your child (or a child you know) has done?

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. This is so funny! Children are really smart. What I’ve learned from the children that come to CTB (where I work) is that food dropped on the floor is fine to eat as long as you eat it in the play area 🙂

    2. I love this! The kids I babysit teach me that being carefree is so good for your soul, that laughter doesn’t have a limit, that you can have dessert whenever you want it, and that breaking the rules here and there is totally ok 🙂

    3. I love this SO much.
      Little children have taught me the value of simple faith. Little children have re-taught me the value of eating when you’re hungry, stopping when you’re not. Little children teach so many amazing lessons!

      • Thanks, Emily <3
        Agree with the eating – I know I worried so much about him eating enough, but dang it, he's intuitive and I could stand to learn from him on when to stop.

    4. We think we’re the ones doing all the teaching when we’re actually getting schooled quite a bit ourselves. I don’t have kids or spend a lot of time around any young ones, but one of the things I love most about them is how they just say it like it is and take so much joy in the simplest of things. Definitely a good reminder to always be grateful for everything.

      • You’re so right – I’ve learned to slow down and notice the little things thanks to my son. He’s probably taught me more than I’ve taught him 😉

    7. Aw I loved this so much! I can agree with all the things you mentioned. Especially the going outside one. Amazing how that often solves tantrums and grumpiness! My toddler has taught me how to use my imagination again and play make believe. 🙂