Toddler Times
Choose the Path of Least Resistance
From the topic of many of my posts here lately, you can assume, and you would be right, that we are dealing with a lot of newly found independence, doing it myself, and tantrums with our toddler lately.
Yesterday, I waited for 20 minutes for my son to put his shoes on while he kept trying, and failing, to put the velcro straps through the little slots. Luckily we weren’t in a big hurry, so I didn’t lose my patience, but I did try to give him just the right about of help and support, with his permission of course.
Which he then decided was just too much help for him, and led to a major meltdown. When we finally got in the car, I was incredulous when he promptly took off his socks and shoes as we were driving away. You’ve got to be kidding me.
Then, I suddenly had one of those parenting, “AHA!” moments.
I needed to choose a path of less resistance.
And so I dug out the Crocs.
They are way easier for him to put on by himself (and take off, but obviously, he doesn’t have a problem with that). Less resistance — from the shoes, from him, and from his mama!
We’ve had mild weather here, so I don’t have to worry about what kind of shoes my son is wearing, it’s not like he’s going to get snow in his shoes. So the Crocs it is, and hopefully a much easier get-out-the door routine along with them.
Although we do still have to work on getting them on the right feet. We’ll take it one step at a time.
Does your toddler have a behavior that is driving you absolutely crazy? Is there an easy solution of lesser resistance that would make life more manageable for everyone involved?
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1 Comment
Amy Witt commented on Feb 06 12 at 12:32 pmtakes her diaper off than pees!!! Tired of the laundry:(
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