Parenting 101

The first rule of parenting is that YOU KNOW NOTHING.  You can read all of the books, Google all of the sites, talk to all of the experienced parents, or even have several of your own kids that you've successfully graduated to the next phase of their lives. The rule still applies.  You know nothing.  No two children are alike and what works for one will not necessarily even begin to work for the next.  You may have one child that's very laid back and goes with the flow while the next is a tiny tyrant that is never happy (I won't name any names, but his name rhymes with marker).  It's okay and it's normal.  Just don't forget that you know nothing.

The second rule of parenting is that you are always wrong.  ALWAYS.  Especially when it comes to toddlers.  You will literally never be correct when estimating how much they will eat, what they will eat, where they will eat, what they want, when they are tired, the list goes on.  Just accept the fact that you're wrong before you even begin and it will make life a lot less frustrating.  Example: "Oh, you ate a grown man portion last night for dinner, here's another grown man portion because you are clearly growing." WRONG.  Wrong, wrong, wrong.  Toddler sees huge portion of assumed favorite meal and immediately tosses it on the floor as if its made for peasants.  Toddler makes you guess 30 other things that you think they may eat.  Toddler takes two bites and is finished, then goes on his merry way.

This post was inspired by this little devil angel

Parker is challenging in ways I didn't know a tiny human could be.  He challenges me daily on the most simple of things.  Nothing is easy, but that's okay because he will change the world one day with that iron will.  He is 100% different than his brother and he has made me very aware of the fact that I know nothing.  Nothing that I did with Michael works for him. He is filled with fire and endurance.  He knows what he wants and is trying his very best to figure out how to get it. He has tantrums that could bring down buildings.  He fights sleep like its cruel and unusual punishment.  Timeout is a joke and more of a punishment for me than him.  He is independent and strong. He fights me for control in every aspect of his life; from getting in his car seat to how he sits on the toilet to whose shoes he wants to wear.  I am exhausted and frustrated at the end of each and every day, but I love him fiercely and know that he is destined for great things. And there is always beer.

Be sure to check out the section of the blog dedicated to reasons my kid is crying (coming soon)

Children, particularly toddlers are hard.  Its hard being a parent.  Its hard being frustrated to the brink of insanity by this tiny being that you have been entrusted with.  It's hard doing it while your spouse is thousands of miles away.  Its hard when each child needs to be loved so differently and you feel like you're failing all the time. But it is also so very rewarding.  There's nothing like a little chubby hand reaching up and petting your face.  Or those big, innocent eyes looking into yours and then smiling that crooked smile.  Or a sweet little voice whispering "you look pretty mommy," and "I love you so much." Its incredible to watch their brains grow and develop.  Its even more incredible to watch their hearts grow.  To watch them transform from tiny beings who believe are the center of the universe into kind and compassionate beings who care deeply for others.  Its enough to make you realize that maybe you do know something and aren't so wrong after all.

"You can learn many things from children.  How much patience you have for instance."

Do you have a tiny tyrant? I'd love to hear stories!