I had this misconception as a special education teacher that mom life with a toddler was going to be easy peasy. In the classroom, I worked with (amazing) students on self-help skills including toileting, communication, feeding, social skills, emotional regulation, academics, community based outings, gross motor, fine motor and so much more. I received numerous recognitions and awards. I hosted student teachers and made lasting friendships with my paraprofessionals. I had patience beyond patience with my students. I thought, one toddler? I'm used to a whole classroom! I've got this!
Ha-ha-ha. Was I ever wrong. Toddler life is a completely different adventure. I have this walking, talking, independent, spunky, beautiful child that proves me wrong in that idea every single day. Being her mommy is single handedly the most rewarding and challenging journey I have ever been down. Every single day I struggle with things like, "Did she have a good day? Was she stimulated enough? Did she have too much screen time? Did I make the right choices? Did I engage with her enough? How can I be better for her? What can I do differently tomorrow?". If you're reading this, my guess is you feel the same way at the end of every day.
How do we do it all? How do we keep up with the pressure of being the perfect mom in this instagram worthy picture perfect world? How do I give her the perfect Pinterest playroom? What if I don't? I can't tell you the amount of hours I have spent agonizing over the perfect layout, new bed, playroom ideas, backyard space and more just to make sure that she is stimulated and thriving every day. I have purchased and subscribed to all of THE educational content that is specifically curated for her development level and needs. I was doing this before she was even born.
The truth is, as you probably know, we can't buy or curate the correct way to raise our children. We have to trust our hearts and have patience, flexibility and understanding. We have to guide them into becoming functional members of society which means adults who are able to contribute to themselves and their community in an effective way. We just need to nurture, love them and teach them how to regulate their emotions, identify their needs, when to ask for guidance or help, how to be themselves and how to be kind.
That's all I want for my daughter. I want to teach her how to see the beauty in all things, how to understand the world around her, how to be kind to others, how to never stop laughing, how to remain brave and strong in the depths of every storm, and to never forget just how loved she is. I tell her these things every single night after her bath.
Being a toddler mom is insanely hard. I am faced with challenges, obstacles and quick turns every step of the way. She keeps me on my toes even in my sleep. But I wouldn't trade anything in the world for the moments I have with her.
Lately, I have been trying to figure out how I can combine my previous skill set as a special education teacher and use it to my advantage for my own daughter. I am the content creator behind Reaching Exceptional Learners. It is through that and the inspiration of my daughter that I have founded Reaching Little Minds. Stay tuned on this journey with me. I am excited to create for her and for you. I want to help you help your little navigate through so many things at this age. Lily and I will be right beside you every step of the way!
LeCha
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