I have been trying to be more patient with him, but I am the first to admit that I still have this vision of the dream child – you know, the one who listens to every request and doesn’t talk back or throw themselves in the middle of the aisle when you’re at the grocery store because you won’t let them get every single box of fruit snacks their eye can see. I say “no” too often, or try to redirect and distract him into doing what I want him to do, and it just hasn’t been working for us. The more I try to control his actions and ‘mold’ him into the aforementioned angel toddler, the more he fights me on it.
And do you know what’s happened to my terrible tantrum thrower? He’s happier than he was before, which means we’re all happier as a result.
Our days now start outside in the sunshine, where we split whatever breakfast I throw together that H has requested – usually muffins and berries, rather than inside, in front of the TV. He jumps from sitting on the stoop with me, eating his food, to digging in the dirt with his trucks, and instead of telling him to sit back down and finish his breakfast first, I just let it happen. Yes, I would love to have a toddler who was happy to sit quietly and would eat more than two bites before claiming to be ‘all done’, but instead of wishing for something I don’t have, I’m embracing the imaginative, effervescent, energetic tiny human that I do have. And I’m rejoicing over the fact that my toddler will finally play independently – not just for a few minutes here and there, but for hours in our yard.
We dig with our “digger arms” and have “one, two three, GO!” races. We watch for airplanes and helicopters and talk about who they might be going to visit. We play “Super Harrison to the Rescue” and fly around the neighborhood, the air around him buzzing with his giggles as I throw him up in the sky. Sometimes we just sit outside and listen to all of the noises that surround us everyday, and talk about the different things that make those noises, like birds and crickets and lawnmowers, sometimes we take a stack of books outside and read, but most of the time we just dig. And dig. And dig. We make holes for dinosaurs to jump in and out of, we move dirt with the excavators, and we dig, dig, dig until the dirt is caked under our fingernails and it’s time for nap.
I genuinely believe that he just isn’t meant to sit still for longer than 2 minutes at his current stage in life. That he needs to let his body continually move and run and jump and wiggle. That he needs to be able to explore his surroundings, within reason, in the manner he sees fit. After spending about 5 minutes with him, its very apparent that he feels stifled when inside and thrives once outside. Something undeniably happens to H internally when he walks out of our door and into the fresh air, and the changes I’ve seen in him since accepting that have been amazing.
My son may never be one of the children sitting calmly at story time while the librarian reads aloud, but he will never turn down a challenge to race or a chance to dig in the dirt – and there’s nothing wrong with that. He is in this constant state of vibrating energy, and we are embracing all of his goofy quirks.
So here’s to saying yes more. To indulging in silly childhood requests. To striving for perfection, less. Because childhood is but a short blip in his life, and this world forces us to grow up too fast.
Dawn McAlexander says
He is so cute! That cape fits him to a tee! That boy is a real super hero now!
Shannon says
Thank you so much, Dawn!
Everyday Gizmos Reviews says
Such a cutie.I bet he flies circles around you with it on.Just wait until the next childs here this will seem like it was so easy:)
Shannon says
The cape makes him go extra fast, so he definitely flies circles around me for sure!
Rebecca Bryant says
Aw what a cutie. He is a real super hero.
Shannon says
Thank you Rebecca!
The real lifevideofootage Guy says
He's adorable! Raising a toddler is not an easy thing to do. We shouldn't expect them to sit still, they're kids after all! They want to discover the world and explore. You're doing a great as a mom ��
Shannon says
It's so much harder than I expected! I'm hoping to just let him grow, and 'be', at his own pace 🙂
Thank you!
Mom Knows Best says
I have boys that did not sit still when young. Once they went to school they sat still for a while,they are only little for a while, enjoy him.
Shannon says
I'm glad my son isn't the only one who refuses to sit still! I am enjoying him while I can 🙂
Carol Cassara says
What a cute little boy. There is nothing wrong with that unless you fail to put up boundaries. Then it can get hairy at 4, 5, 6…when there aren't limits set.
Elizabeth O. says
Kids really love exploring and learning more about their surroundings. It's so good to know that you're taking him outside and you're enjoying the time you have together! That's awesome.
Amy Jones says
Your son is too cute to be real. He seems kind of temperamental but you manage to control his rants and comfort him, great parenting!
Masshole Mommy says
She is so cute in that little cape. My boys had capes when they were babies, too.
Coolmoms Cooltips says
ohhh he is just so adorable discovering the world in that cape! There is nothing like exploring a bit. It can be messy but it is a great fun learning experience too
Lalaine Manalo says
So cute! Don't you just love being a kid? A time when a simple cape, some sticks and stones bring so much fun 🙂
Echo A says
Sometimes, it is hard for us to let them lead. It can be quite amazing when we do though!
Jolleen Ruiz says
What a cutie! I am all for having happy children.. 🙂 Great job fellow mama
Marielle Altenor says
They grow up so fast. I remember my son going through the phase where he wanted to do it all by himself.
She Joh says
My daughter is very similar to your son. I love that you are now saying yes more often instead of no. I could definitely try doing the same in life.
Lexie Lane says
Your son looks so adorable, so as my son. I love him exploring outside and play a little.
Nicole Escat says
I love the cape, this will be perfect for my son. He loves playing hide and seek outside.
Danne Reed says
Parents should be like you. It is very important that we let our child do their thing sometimes.
Nicole Herose says
Oh, he is so cute! The cape looks perfect on him. I am so glad that you enjoy having fun with your son.
Pamela says
Precious little boy. I love that you don't try to make a little adult out of him. Exploring will help give him a wonderful childhood and even affect his intelligence.
jenjen says
Such a cutie!
Dawn GT says
ok she is sooo adorable. haha. this totally reminds me of my brother when he was little. he used to run around in ninja turtle and batman customs my mom made him
Aurora Afable says
I think that is how we were created. We're supposed to be soft, patient, and kind to our hubbies. They are the ones that are supposed to protect us. lol
Tione Rdny says
He is such a sweet little boy. I guess he likes to be active and explore the things that are around him.
The Handmade Chic says
That cape is so cute and it suits your kid well! They are just kids for a short time so just enjoy it. Time flies by fast 🙂
LifeAsAConvert says
Love his adorable little shoes. What brand are they? I think indulging in our children's childhood is a great thing to do. We can't get those young moments back.
Shannon says
Thank you! They are from Love, Winnie James, and they are linked above 🙂
Enricoh Alfonzo Naidu says
hahahah adorableness overload! it's like a mix between a superheroine and a witch from the harry potter series. Love it so much cuteness