Toddler thinking

This girl doesn't wanna grow up: http://youtu.be/omyoG7eSI5U

Tantrums, tantrums, go away!

I'm sure a lot of parents out there will agree with me that tantrums are serious business. Now, I am not here to lecture you about it. I am no expert. I am just a parent who wants to share, or rant, if you may.

Tantrums can happen anytime, anywhere. All children will have their episode of wanting something but not knowing what it is exactly. That sounds frustrating right? Imagine if you are a toddler, who cannot yet articulate your feelings very well. This frustration leads to crying and screaming, kicking, or even throwing themselves to the floor. That is definitely an ugly picture, but that's not the whole of it! Somewhere in that picture, is a struggling parent dealing with it, trying to problem solve it. You are definitely one of the lucky one's if you rarely get this from your toddler. I am however, one of those who is presently experiencing this more frequently with my daughter. She is the most adorable person in my eyes, and everyday I discover new things about her... A few months ago, I've noticed that her tantrums are getting more and more frequent. Does that make her less adorable? That particular moment, yes! But I am still lucky because she has never thrown a big one in public.

I know that there are a lot of helpful articles online and even your doctor could help you. And I know that avoiding it is the key. Yes, I've read all kinds of articles about it. They are all true and helpful when you have the energy to pay attention on what's happening everyday. It takes effort to really try and have a good day with your toddler. There will always be inevitable circumstances, but we just have to make an effort to do it. It's harder to solve the problem than avoid it, right?

There were a few good days wherein I almost wanted to cry because of so much joy. It's a miracle to get through a day without one tantrum. It may be also because of my daughter's temperament... She is one strong-willed child. And giving her choices may not always work. Also, I guess being her mom, I have the privilege to be "special" than anyone else. Because she's the nicest to everyone... But with me, she's the boss. At least, that's what she thinks.

Yes! I thought I knew kids but I was wrong. All that knowledge that I've earned for years as an educator, my whole belief system, were changed by my daughter. I really think I need to go back to college.

stay-at-home-mom, a luxury?

     I taught in preschool for almost a decade and then stopped just before getting married then went back and now that I have a little toddler i had to stop again and stay with her all day. I am blessed to have that "luxury" not because we are rich but because this works better for us than me going to work and sending her to school too we just can't afford it plus I don't think I can let go of my baby just yet. I still consider it a "luxury" because I know a lot of moms want to stay with their babies but they just can't. We just do what we got to do as parents.

     Do I miss teaching? yes! I've been doing it ever since after College but taking care of your own child gives a very unique and the greatest fulfillment. Believe me, I tried to multitask and do it both. I got a chance to go back to work when my daughter was just 6 months old just part time in a preschool...but every time I see these little ones and change other kids' diapers I'm thinking, "what am I doing here, doing this to other person's child while my daughter waits for me with her grandma.?" It was tough! I cried only God and well, my husband too know how many times. My husband asked me many times If I want to quit and assured me we can do it with just him working for us. But I told him and myself many times too, I want to be a mom at the same time make my own money and build a career and you know don't loose "my old self". Thanks to my Mother-In-Law and I was able to do it with her watching my daughter while I am working in the morning. I survived until she was 17 months until something came up and nobody can watch her anymore. She's too young that time for me to bring her to work so I decided to just quit and stay home with her. It was I guess I can say the best decision i have ever made because seeing her everyday, being the first one to know any goings-on in her life, watching her grow... oh man, that is 100% priceless...that is luxury right there if you will put it that way. Yes, I miss making money and it also means less visits to the mall to go shopping and even mani/pedi. Yes, a new purse or a well made up toes can definitely give me happiness, but my daughter can give me so much JOY And that's way better than anything. Career? Being a mom is a career 24/7 no calling in sick and that is new everyday the joy and challenges keep on coming and changing so I know I'm not going to worry about my brain being stagnant. Is my Mommy life just all fun and happy like how it seems on facebook? No! I get tired, I lose patience, yes I'm just like other moms I just don't post everything on facebook...but you know at the end of the day I am a mom and every day is a joy to survive being one.