Earning his Keep

Twelve Months and One Week

So it's been a year and a week since Zach and I became parents, and, for good or bad, it feels like we've been doing this our whole lives. I know my mom always said that parenting comes with a big side order of guilt, and boy is she right. I also think insecurity comes along with it, too. Sometimes it's difficult to know if you're doing the right thing. I find it amazing how the shriek of a toddler can make your heart race and your adrenaline pump in the quest to find just that thing that will quiet him down. It's hard to find a balance between healthy toddler exploration and manipulation. I like to let Luke "help" me in the kitchen, but sometimes he's into things I don't want him to be into. He'll sweep the floor with his little broom and dustpan, but then he'll throw the whole dustpan away in the trash, which I don't want him to get into. I know he's imitating me, and I usually let him do it so that I can finish preparing dinner or cleaning up. I also let him rummage through all the bathroom drawers and cabinets so that I can wash up. I've removed everything that I think is a hazard. It's just so much more exciting for Luke to play with grownup stuff than with his own toys. I do draw the line at the phone (although sometimes my cell phone is the perfect bribe to get Luke to sit down in his carseat without me having to forcibly bend his legs as he screams), the computer, and the t.v. remote, to name a few. Luke knows what he wants and is very determined. I know that these are great qualities to have, but right now it's hard when there's no reasoning due to limited language ability. I use a lot of distraction and humor, and then there are those times when I'm really tired and just say no. Sometimes I wonder at the logic of my own rules, but then I remember that I'm the adult, and "because I said so" is a perfectly reasonable response. However, Luke doesn't always think so.

Happy First Birthday, Luke!