2. Toddlers want to do it themselves. That makes the food taste even better.
3. Toddlers fall down. A lot. It's okay; don't freak out, even though you want to. Most of the time they just shake it off, but they will cry if they see that you're upset. Use your best p-p-p-p-poker face.
4. Toddlers will get lots of unexplainable scrapes and bruises (see #3).
5. Toddlers like to help pick up (and sometimes they even clean). "Go pick up the yellow stacking cup," or "What else belongs in this bag?" They're smart little whips---my girls get so excited when they figure out what toy I'm referring to, and quickly toddle over. My girls actually race to see who can pick up the toy first. I know, I'm milking this one for all it's worth!
Here is a picture of Hadley wiping down a board book with a dryer sheet, actually. I think she's seen me sterilize every page of every board book with antibacterial wipes a few too many times. Whatever. I'll take it!
6. Toddlers love, love, love to go outside. It's a great way for them to burn off energy!
7. Toddlers need baths more frequently. See #2 and #6.
8. Don't underestimate your toddler. Here's my husband's facebook status the other night:
Apparently Hadley did not like us using Eucerin on her dry skin. I found the jar of it floating in the toilet...with the toilet lid down...and the child proof safety latch in the locked position. She's good. Maybe too good.9. Toddlers love to be praised! Everyone wants to hear that they're doing a good job. Praise a toddler, and you'll get more of a good thing. When we go outside, the rule is that the girls must hold my hand. Hadley likes to let go and venture off on her own. The other night when she was about to let go, I told her what a great job she was doing of holding my hand. You know what? She smiled at me and tightened her grip.
10. Jedi mind tricks work on your toddler. If one of the girls is doing what they are supposed to, I heap on the praise. The other twin quickly follows suit (see #9).
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4 comments:
These are great! And I'm so glad to see your girls are enjoying picking up a bit...I agree, milk it for all it's worth! I, too, love seeing my girls "wiping" things. It's just funny to me what they "clean" sometimes, though...like the rug??? HA!
And I just gave the "poker face" advice to a mom of 6-month old twins last week. Particularly when the girls were tiny, my instinct was to make a big fuss when they bumped something. I think the best medicine is a big "Uh-oh!!!" so they learn to go about their business...otherwise I could see some real drama ensuing! :)
Visiting from It's a Crafty Life! I often remind my daughter that she did a better job of cleaning up when she was a toddler than she does now at nine! :-) Thanks for sharing!
Awwww, too cute! A great list, and I'm going to have to remember it when I have little ones running around. Thanks for linking up this week!
I love this list!! Jedi Mind Tricks. Best line ever!
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