Skip to main content

Lessons from a 2-Year-Old

My husband surprised me by taking the whole day off work, so we took the kids to our FABULOUS new library before bed. When we got there, Toddler Boy went straight for the train table where he took things apart and immediately asked us to put them back together about a million times. And though, truth be told, it annoys me to reassemble the same poorly designed object over and over again, he was having so much fun. Then before long, another little boy joined the table. I'm guessing he was about 3, and he didn't speak English. And I just sat there and watched them interact in the most innocent way, neither of them noticing any sort of barrier. Toddler Boy would ask (ever so politely), "May I play with that, please?" and point at whatever it was he was talking about. (If you guys even knew how proud I was of my boy... there are no words to describe it.) The other boy would sweetly place whatever train/figure/piece it was into my son's hand. He would look my son in the eyes and show him how to put the train through tunnels and how to open the doors. My son would practice his new skill and smile. The other boy never said a word beyond sounds.

I didn't know who this boy belonged to or I would have gone to talk to his parents to tell them what a good kid they have. And surely they already know.

Over the summer, we took Toddler Boy to a specific park quite frequently. But the kids there were not as kind. They were crude and rough, and I left there sad knowing that my son was going to be going to school with them. Learning from them. And praying that he wouldn't become like them.

This boy changed my outlook. I can't choose my son's friends. But I hope that he can choose the kind ones, and that he will be kind in return (no matter the differences).

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

This is FIVE

She slowly tiptoes out of her bedroom and pulls the door softly until it clicks closed behind her. Then boldly with purpose, she walks into our room, stands next to the bed, and taps me on my shoulder until I reach underneath her little arms, hoist her up, pull back the covers, and get her situated between us, snuggling in for the last 10 minutes of sleep. But today was a little different. The routine was the same, but instead of sleeping, there was way too much excitement. "Mommy, is it morning? Am I this many?" And she holds up a whole hand of fingers. FIVE. Not a toddler, not yet a big kid. She's that perfect in between. Oh, how I love this girl. I want to be more like her when I grow up. She loves fiercely. Listens quietly. Speaks up when she feels like she's being wronged. Nurtures like no other. Her favorite color is pink, but rainbow is a close second. On Monday, I asked her what she wanted for her birthday dinner. She chose the exact same thing we were eating ...
Post a Comment
Read more

"Title Goes Here"

I've had about a week to myself as my better half and kids went off on an adventure in Colorado. I don't remember the last time I had this much time to myself. Last week, I exercised the right side of my brain as frequently as I could. I finished two quilt tops and several random quilt blocks. I didn't exercise my body; my brain needed the attention. There's something immensely satisfying about cutting up fabric into smaller pieces, mixing it all up, piecing it back together, and creating something entirely different. It's my therapy. I listened to music loudly. I sat by the fire and stared at my phone for too many hours. I went on a quick work trip. I stayed up too late every night. I balanced the checkbook and paid bills. I made poor eating decisions and drank far too much coffee. Then today, I deliberately did nothing. No music. No creating. No makeup. I rested. I started reading a book. I watched a little t.v. And in the spirit of doing jac...
Post a Comment
Read more

Tiffany Tries Things, part 2

Welp, I've settled in, and my days are filled. My floors aren't getting mopped nearly as often as they did at first. That said, I haven't tried as many new cleaning supplies lately. This year I've been focusing on taking care of myself--something (someone) I've been neglecting for far too long. Here are a few of my current favorite things: 1. Thayers Lavender Witch Hazel  - Anyone else ask for toiletries for Christmas? Just me? Okay then. I had been wanting to try this for so long. And I'm so glad I did. My skin has never looked better. And the best part about it is that I believe it will last me a year ... and I use it twice a day. That makes it cost <$1/month. 2. Norwex Makeup-Removal Cloth  - Pretty sure I wrote about these before, but I'm too lazy to look. I just love them so much. I have one. I need to order more. Not that I wear much makeup, but I like not having to buy an extra makeup-removing cleanser in addition to face cleanser. Ain't ...
Post a Comment
Read more