Patience

Ever notice how children turning three will stutter? Their minds race with all they know and what they wanna say. Add expanding vocabulary and they stammer with explanations, stories and responses. We are in part to blame. They mumble and fumble and we just want to problem solve, let’s face it, fix it and move on. There are dinners to make, other children to tend to, an appointment to get to, the list never ends! Maybe get them to pause and then and get down to their level and hear them! Listen with all of you, your eyes, a steadying hand, make a connection. They just want to be heard.

Kids do not rush, we tell them what to do constantly and how to do it. Sometimes the speed of these requests are the only thing they can control. Once you give control back to them, most comply so much faster. I know, I like me some control! Independence will do that to a person. We are in a big rush to get them grown, when they become independent we get some time for ourselves again. Some people still believe that children should only be seen and not heard, that they should only speak when spoken to. You know the ones, they raised perfect kids, and tell stories about how they made their grown child cry at the last family dinner.

Micro managing things is too much! They are miniature people, don’t devalue them. Don’t let others devalue you them either! Step around them in a line, like they aren’t there. I would allow my kids to purchase something and watch from a distance. Social skills, wait your turn, ask for what you need, count out money..make mistakes. Unfortunately there are people out there that are annoyed with kids, demand respect, and do not give respect. They need to learn how to deal with that too, with respect. Have their backs, when they deserve it, and accountable for what they do. Kids are the hardest thing to grow!