Patience

Patience is hard to come by some days. One morning last week I wrote on Twitter that I needed it that day. I needed patience to deal with my toddler. I hate writing that. I hate admitting it, but it’s the truth and I’m not one to pretend things aren’t the way they are. I wish I didn’t need to pray for patience. I wish that a 2-year old didn’t wear me down 20 minutes after getting out of bed. I wish that my tone didn’t waver or my body language crumble.

Dealing with a 2-year old can be difficult. It can be incredibly awesome and the most rewarding thing in the world. A minute later, it can bring you to your knees. Maximus is a strong-willed, emotional boy. I’m sure that could be used to describe all toddlers, but I have a feeling those descriptions will always be associated with him. He’s strong-willed in his opinions and his idea of what should happen. If you do something that he wanted or don’t let him do something, he’s going to let you know. He’s emotional in his tantrums and his love. He can snuggle with the best of ’em. I’d like to believe that he can throw a tantrum with the best of ’em, too. I’m sure that’s not the case and that he’s just a typical toddler when it comes to a meltdown. Nothing extreme, just your typical tears and screaming.

I’d like to believe that I can handle a lot, but when it comes to losing patience the toddler is my worst enemy. Something about trying to persuade him to do something without creating a meltdown. It gets to me. I can handle the slow mover or the “huh?” or even the lack of attention span. I have a hard time handling the whining or the defiance. Nothing makes me sweat faster in the morning than trying to get Maximus dressed. If it’s not arguing over the clothes, then it’s putting them on. Kicking legs are difficult to navigate. I can’t even voice my frustrations at diaper changes. I’d love for him to be potty trained, just so I don’t have to fit the changes.

Since becoming a parent, I’ve learned that the best plans are ones that the toddler comes up with. Some days it is easier to plant an idea in his head. Other days he’s too busy whining or crying about something that he thinks might happen. The thing about being a parent, you have lots of new chances to start fresh. And, deep breathing can get you a long way because the sweet toddler is still in there somewhere and he’s worth all the whining and tears.