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Suddenly Not A Toddler Anymore
Filed Under (Children Learn What They See & Hear, Raising the Child) by Footyman on 16-12-2008
(Written by Footywife)
Not too long ago a good friend of mine recounted to me how her 4-year old son wept silently after being scolded by her. It broke her heart.
“Oh”, I replied, a little surprised. You see, my 3-year old little son has never cried after being scolded, no matter how loud or fierce I scream. In fact scolding has had little effect on him. Most of the time he just ignores me. The only time he sits up and listens is when I hold the most feared instrument (aka the cane) in my hand.
But everything changed last week. We were at the grocers and my little son was at his most irritating self, running and intentionally bumping into me every corner I went, blocking my way and refusing to let me walk. My patience began to wear thin and as soon as we got into the car I just let it all out and ranted at him. He looked at me and suddenly the side of his mouth curled downwards and he started to sob.
It was like my little son suddenly grew up and words began to have an effect on him. It’s strange because I’m with him 24/7 and he matured under my nose just like that, and I’m not even sure how and when that happened.
In a way I’m glad. Glad that I don’t have to resort to the cane to make a point. On the other hand I realize harsh words could hurt him emotionally so I really have to mind what I say when I’m angry.
He’s suddenly not a toddler anymore.
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I totally agree with my wife.
He suddenly grew from a care-free toddler to a words-can-hurt little boy overnight!
It is a whole new experience!
Just remember that our children also have their own dreams, likes, wants, ambition, etc. just like us.
Please don’t push them for what we want but give them for what they need.
Btw, I link to your blog in my post today. Please do visit if you have some time.
Thanks Aldhis
thanks for the add! I’ve added you in my blog roll as well. By the way, somehow, I want my words to sink into my baby’s ears and heart someday since even though how much I scream at her, she just ignores me, and sometimes even laugh at me (she’s 1). I guess I’ll wait for my baby to be “not a toddler”.