Q: I know I should treasure it, but I get bored playing pretend with my 2-year-old only child. How can I enjoy it more?
A: Whoa, whoa, whoa. “Treasure it?” Hold the phone. You are supposed to “treasure” every moment of block-stacking, car-pushing and swing-pushing? I remember once thinking I was going to die of boredom while I took the clothes off and put them on the Calico Critters.
First, we are going to stop “should-ing” ourselves, immediately. A simple tip: When you use “should” (“I should treasure/enjoy”), know that you are on a path to guilt and misery. Swap out something else that feels more truthful: “I aspire to,” “I would like to,” “I choose to.” If it feels clumsy in your mouth, is it because you aren’t used to it? Or is it because it isn’t true? Maybe you don’t need to treasure or enjoy parenting any more than you already are, or maybe you realize you’ve been sad for far too long and need some support.
As for your question, “How can I enjoy it more?” Let’s break it down as simply and clearly as possible.
As much as I eye-roll when I read it, I know this advice is true: Get outside whenever physically possible. Sunlight, fresh air, exercise and nature provide most 2-year-olds with almost everything they need to be happy. Throw in some simple playground equipment and some other children, and you have the perfect environment for a 2-year-old. Playing outside works their gross and fine motor skills, perks up their imagination by allowing them to create their own toys out of sticks and more, makes them tired (meaning great naps) and leads to good eating thanks to their burned energy. Win, win, win. Find some […]
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