Conference moira::parenting_v3

486.0. "Toddler changes active-quiet suddenly" by CSDPIE::JENSEN () Tue Nov 06 1990 09:58

    
    ... the dust is finally settling!
    
    JA is very energetic ... a real whirlwind.  Ants in the Pants in an
    UNDERstatement!
    
    At 14 months, I swore JA would be an "only" child.  No way could I find
    the strength, patience and energy for another child.  My family and
    friends said she would settle down "in time", but I just never believed
    it ... all I could see was that with each passing day she seemed to
    become MORE energized, MORE testy, MORE independent ... and often found
    myself concentrating on just "surviving TODAY".
    
    Then she changed.  Magically, without warning ... she started to settle
    down.  She's finding puzzles challenging, building blocks are fun,
    books are marvelous, she can tumble and roll with the puppy, she's
    remembering the "limits" (can't eat dog food, can't rearrange
    furniture, can't swim in the toilet ...) and will spend a WHOLE HOUR
    playing by herself (or with the puppy).  Yesterday afternoon I actually
    "forgot" I had a daughter!  I went looking for her!! ... and found her
    sitting in a wooden box, rocking and hugging her bear with this huge
    grin on her face ... of course she came running for a hug when she saw
    me ... but had I not sought her out, goodness only knows how long she
    would have entertained herself.
    
    P-L-E-A-S-E ... don't tell me that "this, too, will pass with time"!!!
    
    Dottie
    

    Well, cograts!! When will #2 be in the works?!?! ;>)
    
    Yes, there will be times when you say "why don't you play like you did
    yesterday so I can finish cooking dinner" and there will be times when
    you will start to want your little "buddy" to be forever at your side.
    She's developing independence and her world (including your rules) are
    suddenly clicking in her mind. 
    
    I also think this exact stage becomes a differnt stage later on (like
    when you drill and drill into their heads they have to be polite and use
    manners and suddenly they act a perfect guest in someones else's house
    without a single comment or coaxing from Mom or Dad). Believe me, JA
    will still have her moments and they will seem fewer and fewer but as a
    parent you get "spoiled" by more good/acceptable/apropriate/settled
    behavior and when suddenly they seem to "revert", it hits home with you
    even harder.
          
    Andrea

    Dottie:
    
    I was just thinking how settled/independent Cory is also (he's 13
    months).  He actually will sit & play with his toys by himself. Then,
    when he's ready, he'll seek me out.  It's great !
    
    I'm really enjoying this age.  He's like a sponge, absorbing everything
    he sees.  This weekend, while we were walking, he pointed to a passing
    car and said "car".  I did a double-take !  Usually I point out the
    objects & name them.
    
    So, enjoy it while it lasts !
    
    
    - Terry