Toddlers

While Numbers, Letters, and Shapes are an important part of a childcare program, they sure aren't the most important.   While some people incorporate these things into their programs, you should be able to see, right off the bat, that they are not the crux of the program.  They are just a starting off point to teach the important things, like socialization, patience, love, friendship, problem-solving, self-help skills... you see, these are the hidden skills that are taught on a daily basis at a quality childcare program.  

So, when you come to my house and this is what you see...

It is because we are learning and learning can be very hard sometimes,

 especially when your motto is this...

The Toddler Creed

If I want it,
IT'S MINE!

If I give it to you and change my mind later,
IT'S MINE!

If I can take it away from you,
IT'S MINE!

If it's mine it will never belong to anybody else,
No matter what.

If we are building something together,
All the pieces are mine!

If it looks just like mine,
IT'S MINE!

If it breaks or needs putting away,
IT'S YOURS!

     I understand that The Toddler Creed was composed by T. Berry Brazelton and I think he hit the nail right on the head!!  As I am navigating my way through each day with 3 toddlers, (and 2 just out of the toddler years) I look upon this poem and remember how hard it must be for these 3 small beings and that my patience, understanding, and teaching is part of the reason they will come out the other side as confident, independent, capable preschoolers that we, their parents and I, can send off on their next adventure... Going to school!! I know it seems so far away, but I know from experience that this time is fleeting and they grow way to fast.  

So, while no one wants to see their child cry, or know they are unhappy... part of the growing process is to be able to learn through these experiences and come out stronger and wiser.  Something we do everyday ;)