Next Stop: Preschooler

L.J. has left the toddler train station and is chugging full steam ahead towards the preschool station. It’s just around the bend!

We are in the midst of the “I do it myself!” phase – which leaves L.J. and us frustrated. I have quickly learned the best approach is to put on my extra-calm-and-patient hat and slowly coach him through whatever he is doing. It is much easier said than done most of the time. But more often than not it avoids a meltdown on one (or both) of our parts.

While this isn’t the easiest phase to navigate, L.J. is becoming more independent and it’s been really neat to watch his skills increase. Seeing the pride on his face when he accomplishes something for the first time is priceless. The skill he is working very hard at right now is getting dressed by himself.

The oven timer dinged tonight and L.J. quickly dashed into the kitchen. I heard the silverware drawer open and then he started to pulling out utensils. I walked into the kitchen and he was setting the kitchen table. All by himself. I gave him plastic plates to set at everyone’s spot (he couldn’t reach them) and then he got napkins. He was smiling from ear to ear – so incredibly proud of what he did!

Yes, we’re all about independence these days!

• Pull-ups, not diapers – because he is a big boy and can do it himself.
• “Nooo Mommy!” he screeches when I run the bath. He can turn the water on himself, thankyouverymuch.
• “My do it!” – when I take out the spray to wipe down the kitchen table.
• **Muffled screams into the carpet** because we dared suggest a pair of shorts to wear
• “It’s not your turn!” he says, his hand out in a stop motion, when I follow too closely behind him when climbing stairs.
• “I get my gloves!” – Thursday night, his favorite night of the week because that’s when he gets to help Daddy take out the trash.

He is certainly advocating – often loudly – for independence. That’s all well and good, but I still maintain the best part of the day is when I feel strong little arms wrap around my leg and hear him say: “My hold you!” Translation: “Hold me, Mommy. I need you.”

We’ll always be your rock and your safety net little buddy! Even when you’ve pushed us farther than we think our frustration can stretch for one day…