While pregnant with little B, I thought a lot about what kind of parent I would like to be. Ryan and I spoke often about how we wanted to raise our children. In many ways (not all) we have very similar philosophies which is good - as we are more effective that way as a "unit" or team. Many times I am amazed at how we both have the same opinions on the effectiveness or often INeffectiveness when seeing examples of various other parenting styles be it though other friends, family or even complete strangers. But who are we really to be critical? I think it is a natural to compare yourself to others.
We often hear the saying, "no two children are alike". Although I have not experienced parenting more than one child, I would imagine for parents who have two completely opposite children, the adaptation must be extremely challenging as we are so used to learning by experience and therefore as a creature of habit tend to base our actions on past successes. In the case of parenting more than one, the tried and true may not infact be tried and true with each different child.
We often hear the saying, "no two children are alike". Although I have not experienced parenting more than one child, I would imagine for parents who have two completely opposite children, the adaptation must be extremely challenging as we are so used to learning by experience and therefore as a creature of habit tend to base our actions on past successes. In the case of parenting more than one, the tried and true may not infact be tried and true with each different child.
The other week I was offered the opportunity to interview for a series of articles on moms with different parenting styles on urbanmoms.ca by another mom I met though a local mom and baby group. She just posted it today! Check it out if you want!
I have found myself on more than one occasion joking that the next child I have will not be nearly as busy as the one I've got now but WHO KNOWS
At 21 months my little man is:
- An outdoor enthusiast collecting sticks and pine cones at the park, wanting to walk the dog and always protesting coming inside - even in the most bitter of cold weather
- A climber. Anything he can get himself up onto is game.
- A jumper. This goes along with climbing. Jumping off anything is the latest activity of choice. I tried to make him a fort with chairs and blankets and he took it as an opportunity to climb the chair and jump off onto the couch pillows
- A leader and an activist - he is never shy to stand up for what he believes in and is very assertive with his "no"s and "mummy, come". Also, anything out of reach is a challenge he's up for. He'll push around various items as stepping stools to reach items of desire.
- An independent spirit - this kid is not afraid of anything or anyone. As most kids will run after their parents if they think they are being left alone, this one marches off in the other direction without the slightest look over his shoulder. He loves saying Hi to strangers.
- And most recently a potty/toilet user..most of the time!
He is also... sweet, loving and kind
- He loves to help with cleaning, baking and running items between mom and dad
- He often says "love you!" when we are putting him to bed or when I am leaving to go somewhere.
- He'll give kisses. But not too often. This makes them more special :)
- He's also hard to stay mad at as he now agrees with us when we tell him he did something wrong. Smart cookie!
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