The Kids in Our Lives Need Us To Be the Adults in Theirs!

Imagine this situation with me for a minute...

"I showed up to work today, and was informed that the 2 year old I would be watching has not napped for the last 2 days, because she doesn't want to. Now, if said 2 year old was still functioning as her normal self, and in ways appropriate to her age without an afternoon nap, all the power to her! However, when said 2 year old could hardly make it through the morning without sobbing and whining through every activity I realized that she still needed her naps. This realization only became stronger when during lunch she held an unchewed mouthful of broccoli in her mouth for over 15 minutes while almost falling asleep at the table, simply because she was too tried to remember to chew. At this time it became clear to me that she is incapable of the maturity required to make the decision of whether or not she needs an afternoon nap for herself. I chose to be the adult in her life at that time, and tell her that it was nap time...not giving her the choice to refuse. She is currently sleeping."

At 2 years old the human brain is not developed enough to make decisions like that for itself. A child that age needs the guidance and direction of older and wiser parents and caregivers to be confident enough to lead in an appropriate manner. This is not to say that one shouldn't use these opportunities as a chance for teaching and learning...there are many ways to lead and guide while still honoring and respecting the individuality and personalities of the little ones in our lives. It is important, however, to realize that they need us to do our jobs...to teach them, and help them along their journey of life in a safe manner. They need us to choose to be adults rather than friends. This is the case not just during toddler years, but throughout their lives...they will always need guidance and direction appropriate to their age group that will allow them to grow and develop into the people that they are capable of becoming.

So, be a confident adult! Teach and lead with gentleness and kindness. Foster an environment of learning for the children in your life. Don't be so overbearing and protective that they can't learn from mistakes, but don't be so relaxed that they can't learn that choices have consequences, and rules and structure exist to help us grow.

<3 Z

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