I envisioned a lot of things before I had my son. What his laugh would sound like. Playing ball with him for the first time. How he would be sick of all of the kisses he was going to get.
What I didn’t think about, but probably should have, is how to discipline. Also how not to.
I was pleasantly surprised to find my husband and I have a similar parenting style. Lots of “I love yous”, a lot of running around the staircase after each other, and a pretty laidback approach overall. What that does not involve is a lot of is the word “no”.
Want to climb up those stairs? Sure, you’re going to have to learn how to anyway. Let me go with you.
Want to jump on the bed and sing 5 Little Monkeys? OK. I’ll stand here with you while you practice your counting skills. (I’m proud to say my 2-year-old can count down from 5, hand signals and all.)
Want to splash in that puddle? Have fun. You’re a toddler for goodness sake, and I can dry out your shoes afterward.
Want to eat a third piece of toast? Go ahead, you’re a growing boy! (Just kidding, this never happens, it’s a daily battle to get my kid to eat.)
Don’t get me wrong. We say no. If he’s going to hurt himself, someone else, or ruin something that matters. In our house, that’s not much. The time he really sees the wrath of mom and dad is when he’s being mean, we won’t stand for that. We pick our battles, so he knows when we mean business. We let him be a kid and enjoy life. And honestly, it’s easier on us to not stress out all of the time on pretending a toddler can be a perfect angel.
It hurts my heart a little when I see parents say “no” constantly. I know I shouldn’t judge, I don’t know what else is going on in their lives. But come on, is it really going to hurt anyone if he brings his Paw Patrol toys outside? Or if he keeps his hood up on his jacket all day? Let him bang loudly on that drum. That’s what it’s for, right?
Every parent has the right to discipline their kids the way they want. They have their reasons. I have mine.
I know a lot of people will say I let my kid get away with too much. Or this is going to come back and bite me one day. They’re probably right.
But he’s happy, healthy, and a nice boy. And I’m really enjoying saying “yes” to him being little – and maybe a little wild – while he can be.
Oh I LOVE this one, Liz! I completely agree! Mine like to take their Shopkins and MagiClips into the shower to play and why not? They are kids! Shouldn’t I be happy they are actually playing with toys and not glued to the TV or phone? I say yes. And jumping in muddy puddles like Peppa Pig is a MUST!