I have spoken about this many times before, how little ones really make you appreciate the simple things in life. Something that seems utterly trivial is a wonder, and you can't help share in that delight. It's intoxicating.

Toddlers however are such tricky creatures. Yes, they enjoy the simple things in life. But boy, can they make yours complicated.

A simple walk to the park, without the pram, a couple of months back was a total nightmare. I had a little boy who was completely confused with his new found freedom. Out of the pram usually only happened in safe zones, open spaces. Now I was extending that freedom outwith the safe zones but with conditions.

Those conditions being that he walked on the pavement and not the road.

That he not run up neighbours driveways (The idea of a car backing out scares the hell out of me)

If need be, that he holds mama's hand. (A must for me, when Caleb approaches dogs and their owners. You never know the temperament of a dog that you're unfamiliar with)

What became apparent quite quickly, is what the hell does a toddler know about conditions??!

This period was as much as a learning curve for me, as it was to him.

But with consistency, and A LOT of repetition, we have achieved what felt like the unachievable, a walk to the park, sans pram, tears, and tantrums!

Never mind Caleb enjoying the simple pleasures. This mama could have jumped for joy. I could have told every man and his dog in the park that day. Guess what?? My son and I just walked to the park!!!!!!!! (hmmmm, back away from the crazy lady ;)

You know what I love most about it? It's something we can do at the drop of a hat.

Need to kill 10 minutes or even more? Let's just walk to the park. No big epic leaving the house round up or organising. Just grab our coats, a ball, house keys (always remember the house keys!;) and we're off.

It's now something that we do daily, and we are both loving it. Caleb, my boy, this is certainly a proud mama moment.


6 comments

  1. Yay, little victories! :) And oh man, the adventures of Caleb and his HAT! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The hat and the adventures keep on coming ;)

      Delete
  2. This post made me smile, sounds like a major accomplishment! Happy for you guys, and I don't think it could have come at a better time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So, so true, Roseann. Best timing ever. Yay, to the little, big victories!!

      Delete
  3. Isn't it amazing how something as simple as your toddler being able to successfully navigate through the world you created for him (rules and all) has the ability to make you prouder than winning an award? Because isn't it kind of an award in its own right, after all the struggles in achieving the goal? I often overlook these things now with kid #2 since it's something I've already learned (hard!) with my first. But boy do I remember the power struggles and establishing boundaries and just the general learning for both mommy and kid. Parenting during the simple moments is almost tougher than the big ones sometimes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I couldn't agree with you more!! The simplest of things can become so complicated. Watching it finally click and fall into place is the best feeling ever. Proud mama moments are the best!

      Delete