Just breathe. Toddlers' emotions escalate from zero to sixty before we even realize they are upset. And it can be hard not to join them on their emotional rollercoaster (thank you very much, sleep deprivation). Remember that it's okay for you BOTH to feel those feelings! And there are some fun things to do when you're ready to let the feelings go.XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. Blow bubbles for stress relief without stressing the spills with Little Kids No Spill Big Bubble Bucket.
“What is mom but the sunshine of our days." —Robert Brault. Children are inherently good. Sure, they may have trouble sharing, and getting a "thank you" is sometimes impossible. But their hearts really are pure and kind. What an amazing opportunity it is for us to foster and encourage what already exists within them! And on this latest journey around the sun, it's fun to look back at the magic you've created. Look at you, making the world better, one toddler a time. Happy Birthday, sweet one. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. For a book that teaches kids to be kind to others, you'll both love Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud.
“Play is the work of childhood."—Jean Piaget. Watching your little love-bug blossom into an independent person has to be one of the coolest experiences of all time. They learn and experience almost everything through play at this age. So don't be afraid to get down on the ground and play with them—or simply stare in amazement. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. We are super crushing on the DalosDream KidsTeepee Tent for some seriously imaginative play.
“Let's start by taking a smallish nap or two."—Winnie the Pooh. Oh, naps—they are so confusing. On the one hand, they give us a much needed break. On the other hand, we have to plan our whole day around them. So how do you know when to let them go? Turns out, there are some guidelines around this to make the decision a little easier. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Moms love the OK to Wake Clock to make sleep transitions much more manageable.
Time spent playing with children is never wasted. We do not remember days, we remember moments—and the moments we remember are usually the silly, spontaneous, slightly messy ones where fun just happens without being created. So take the pressure off of yourself to create joy for your children... joy happens, mama. Enjoy it.XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. For saving the photos of the silliest, messiest moments we love Chatbooks!
Grow through what you go through. If you ever wonder how such a little person can have such big (and loud) feelings, you are not alone. It's so hard, but also so normal. Instead of thinking to yourself "she's giving me a hard time," try "she's having a hard time"—the little switch can help you bring your stress level down a bit. Hang in there, mama. You've got this. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. For the really hard moments, check out Motherly's bundle of Mama Meditations.
My mini me is awesome. Those little eyes are ALWAYS on you ?—1. You are gorgeous, and 2. You are her biggest role model. As your little human watches you be a good human, she is learning so much about how to become an awesome member of society. Pretty powerful stuff, mama. P.S. Try play that requires lots of "pleases" and "thank yous," like a tea party with Green Toys Tea Set.
