From the article: Parenting Tips
Is there some piece of advice that nobody shared with you before you became the parent of a toddler? Here's your chance to share that information with others and maybe pick up a few bits of advice, too.
How Fast it Goes
- It seems like just yesterday that my baby became a toddler and now she's going to be starting preschool. Where did this time even go? I should have taken more pictures. I should have written down more of those funny words she came up with. I shouldn't have spent so much time cleaning and worrying about the house... Where did my chubby little girl go? I miss her!
- —Guest Rebbekah
Other People Giving Advice
- Don't get me wrong, I like coming places like this and getting advice, but I had no idea how many perfect strangers would approach me when I'm at the park or eating out and tell me what to do with my kid. People who don't even know me or what kind of parent I am are just telling me to do this or don't do that. This way is right. This way is wrong. Telling me what kind of shoes he should wear. Asking me why he isn't potty trained yet. Telling me about their kids. Telling me my kid is too skinny. I just want to tell them to shut it. I don't because maybe they mean well but it is so annoying.
- —Guest **lindsey**
Self-Control
- I never knew how much self-control it would take. To not laugh at something my child is doing (like saying a curse word) that I don't want to reinforce. To not become angry or engage in a battle of wills when my toddler tells me "NO!" for the hundredth time in a day. To not cry and show my fear when she is headed for her fifth surgery. To not give in when she is throwing a temper tantrum. I had no idea how many times my self-control would be tested in a day. I also had no idea how controlling myself and maintaining my own composure would be the cornerstone of getting my toddler to cooperate, behave, feel comforted and loved and learn to control herself.
- —Guest MamaHannah