Never a Dull Moment
I don’t know what the weather is like in your neck of the woods, but in Middle Tennessee the past two weeks have been beautiful, complete with sunshine and temps in the 60s to 70s. And for my family, spring couldn’t get here soon enough! Jack is now 2.5-years-old and he is an outside boy. He would spend every second outside if we let him. Being cooped up so much of the winter is difficult for him … and for us!
A few weeks ago, I was the closest I’ve ever been to claiming Jack was in his terrible 2s. We were dealing with difficult behavior and meltdowns more than usual. My patience was wearing thin … and I was worried that it wasn’t going to get any better. I was starting to panic that maybe I wasn’t doing a good enough job as a mother, maybe we weren’t using the right form of discipline, or maybe he was going to turn out to be defiant child!
Enter springtime. We have spent almost every free minute outside in this beautiful weather. It’s amazing to me how outdoor activities, sunshine, and fresh air make a huge difference in Jack’s mood and behavior. He sleeps, better, eats better, and listens better when he has spent time outside. For now, order has been restored in the Skulley household.
The longer I am a parent, the more I am discovering that challenges seem to come in phases. Just when you are ready to give up, things smooth out again. Don’t get me wrong. It’s never “easy.” But with time (and lots of prayer) the challenges become more manageable, and eventually a specific challenge becomes a thing of the past.
I’m reminded of this as I talk to friends who have recently had babies. I faced many of the challenges they faced with their newborns and infants, but looking back now, it feels as if it was a lifetime ago. It is easy to forget how many challenges you have overcome.
Old challenges are replaced with new challenges but that’s what makes parenting an adventure. There is never a dull moment … and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Our next big challenge? Potty training! Aren’t you jealous?
What is your current parenting challenge? What challenges have you already been through?
Comments (2)
I'm pretty sure Libbie's been in the terrible 2s since she was 18 months. OK, it goes on and off. But since David was born she's been nearly unbearable. I have NO IDEA what to do and I can only hope it's a phase.
Jessie
Posted on March 23, 2011 6:21 PM
I have a friend who just had her second baby a week ago. Her oldest is almost 2. She's having the very same experience. I keep telling her that's one of the challenges of having two so close in age ... but the benefits down the road should far outweigh the challenges. That's what I'm praying for both of you ... and every parent that finds themselves in that situation! Hang in there!
Posted on March 24, 2011 6:56 AM