7 Signs that I am Turning Into One of THEM!

Toddlers! Every parent can pick them out of a line-up. Not just because of their short stature, plump cheeks and deceptively adorable smiles. But, also because of their tell-tale meltdowns, tantrums and fits of hysteria when things don’t quite go their way.

I am currently going on the 6th consecutive year of raising toddlers, which has made me realize that I at times act and react much like one of them. Of course I had hoped that my rational and emotionally stable personality would have rubbed off on the little creatures, but it appears that I am slowly crossing over – becoming one of them.

7 signs that I am becoming more like a toddler:

1. “Me do!” (as Jansen (2) says ever so convincingly)! I also want to do everything myself, even if it takes me much longer than if I had just admitted “defeat” and asked for help. Imagine how much patience you need to watch a toddler getting dressed on his own in the mornings – THAT is the kind of patience my husband shows when I am putting together a new piece of IKEA furniture. God bless him!
2. Naps! I function better when I have had a nap, thank you – Narcolepsy. Any parent of a toddler can appreciate the value of a good nap, and the ill-effect missing a nap can have on the little cherub’s personality. Sweetness by day… not so much by evening time! Naps are essential – but unfortunately not always attainable!
3. “I don’t WANT to wear that!” – followed by foot stomping and crossed arms! Jansen (2) is now going on month FOUR of only wanting to wear PJs, Batman shirts or any combination thereof. I cannot really fault him – that’s exactly how I feel about my yoga pants! I have yoga pants for any occasion – dressy ones, relaxing ones – even some for yoga!
4. Parallel play! Toddlers version of playing “together” is really just enjoying each other’s company from a distance. They sit fairly close together and play, but their level of interaction is minimal, at best. I parallel play at the office. I am part of a big team, but I prefer to work on projects on my own – although in close proximity to my coworkers. Oh – I almost forgot… I also don’t like to share my pens with others – wow, these little toddlers are rubbing off on me.
5. “My phone! MINE!” My favorite toy is my phone! I can be found at all hours holding my phone, pushing buttons, and just smiling to myself! Sometimes I will even talk into it – and use it for its intended purpose. I constantly have to fight my kids for MY phone… I have bought countless Fisher-Price branded look-a-likes, but nothing compares to the real deal, apparently. Kids are not easily fooled by cheap imitations – unfortunately.
6. “I WANT THAT CUP! No! THAT cup!” (as the “wrong” cup goes flying across the table). I also prefer to drink from the same cup every day! (Preferably a large white paper cup with a green logo on the front – filled with a hot hazelnut flavored beverage.) Which is why I respect the nuclear meltdowns and screams of “I can’t drink this! There is not a dinosaur on this cup! YOU GAVE ME A CUP WITHOUT A DINOSAUR!” – I get it! I would act the same way if I was handed a Dunkin Donuts cup instead of a Starbucks cup!
7. Last, but not least – I fight bedtime more than any of our kids – only because I want to read the same “book” night after night. Anyone who has ever been subjected to a toddler’s repetitive request for “Goodnight Moon” recognizes the sense of familiarity insanity you feel after reading the same book 37 nights in a row. I know toddlers long for consistency and routine – so do I! The “book” I read is the grownup’s version of “Goodnight Moon” (aka Facebook) – it gives me a chance to check in with my friends and wish them all a “good night”. Goodnight friends, goodnight moms, – even “goodnight to the old lady whispering hush”!

Jansen Napping Peacefully