To the Parents of Toddlers

Sometimes to avoid doing my homework (so is the peril of a senior college student online), or cleaning my house (so is the peril of an overworked, tired woman) after my son has politely informed me that he is tired of playing with me for the day, I like to read other people’s blogs.

 Of course, I usually stick to my topics of interest, or family related topics, so as to generate ideas for my own future posts, and to assure myself that I am not truly crazy.  Other parents are out there like me, going crazy at various little things that “normal” people find…amusing, to say the least.

So today, I just absolutely had to share a wonderful blog that I stumbled upon that discusses toddler buying power.  The author does a great job analyzing the minds of our young ones when he says that they study us, and learn to manipulate us into getting their desires, even if it takes a while.

Several interesting points come to mind as you read this entry, and you begin to think that you are being watched by the government as you sit and watch your children’s actions.  Maybe I am crazy for being able to identify with this author, but as I think about it… my son is really good at getting what he wants, and to him, it does not matter what reaction he stimulates from Mommy, as long as it is a reaction.

You guys know what I am talking about… when they are quietly playing in their room so you can work, and you ask if they are hungry.  They say no, so you go on with your tasks, to have them interrupt 5 minutes later pleading their starvation case, and begging for the most difficult thing to prepare in your cabinets.  So in an effort to pacify your child and avoid charges of neglect by the local DSS, you offer alternatives, because you know in the end, the child will not like what you give them.  After a 30 minute battle (any shorter and you are lucky) you offer your meal, and the child says, “Never mind, I’m not hungry.”  Or, “No!  I don’t want that!” all to elicit that reaction from you!

I have stopped those battles, for the most part by politely informing my son that the law requires I feed him, but it does not require that I please him.  He of course does not understand, but it makes me laugh to see the look on his face!  :)  I know in my heart I’m not going to let the child starve, but it’s a great way to play his own game!  He caves, eats, and we go on with our day.

Take a look at the blog here, and tell me if I just made myself sound certifiable!

 And by the way, that adorable little tot you see there, is my son about a year and a half ago.  It just seemed to fit the toddler persona I addressed, so I couldn’t help myself!