Comments on: January Carnival of Natural Parenting: Resolutions

By: craphead

craphead — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:01:40 +0000

I do agree with the phrase “terrible twos” and I don’t think we said it that often, though plenty of other people did about our kids. haha. Part of the problem with it is that sometimes people expect the challening toddler behavior to automatically end when they turn 3. Maybe it does for some kids, but not for others.

If I had the toddler years to do over, I would so do them differently now that I now more about unschooling and how to “do” unschooling. Now I can see that the toddler years are more about keeping them safe while letting them explore. Now, if only I could figure out the “fabulous fours” I’d be set!

By: Jessica - This is Worthwhile

Jessica - This is Worthwhile — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:28:02 +0000

Man… this is really smart! I totally agree with you about the “terrible twos” and whatnot. I don’t think there’s a single moment of it that’s “terrible” just really, really challenging :) And I guess it’s also a commentary on how the parent feels in general. If you’re run ragged and have nothing left to give a challenging two-year-old is going to be just about the most terrible thing imaginable, right?

Thanks again for hosting this carnival. I’m finding some really terrific blogs!

By: FC Mom

FC Mom — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:04:20 +0000

I detest those hipster cartoons, but my husband watches ALL of them, and Family Guy is by far my favorite. I can ALMOST stand it. (OK I sort of love it, but mostly because I’m waiting for Stewie’s screen time.)
It’s worth looking on YouTube to see Stewie clips, bc that character is genius.
I like your short but thoughtful list! Thanks for hosting this awesome carnival!

By: Dionna

Dionna — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:35:24 +0000

Thanks again for all of the thoughtful responses – what a great bunch of mamas I have met through this carnival! It was definitely a pleasure to help coordinate it.

By: Zoey @ Good Goog

Zoey @ Good Goog — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:00:59 +0000

My little one is nearly two now (I can’t believe it, it has gone sooo fast!) I love the age that she is now. She’s starting to use words, which even aside from the benefits of communication, it’s just nice to hear what her little voice sounds like. I think the challenging thing is giving her all the one-on-one time she needs with everything else that I do in the day. But tantrums (and there are plenty!) don’t bother me in the slightest – they reveal her unfolding personality!

By: Ruth Moss

Ruth Moss — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:16:43 +0000

Well, I can’t stand Family Guy (I hate that “hipster” comedy which is just an excuse to come out with rampant bigotry and disguise it as “irony” “hey, we’re meant to laugh at how stupid the main character is for his bigotry [which also gives us a free pass to say some dreadful stuff] it’s just ironic can’tyoutakeajoke?”) but I have to admit, that clip is funny. I know that feeling.

I resolve to never refer to Kieran’s behavior as a product of “the terrible two’s.” There is nothing terrible about him! Oh god yes this. I resolved that when Bertie turned two. And although I also haven’t quite experienced the “terrific twos” that I was told by one or two AP books would miraculously happen if I continued to breastfeed him ;) I can honestly say I’m glad I made that decision. If Bertie is mardy or whiny it’s because some need of his hasn’t been met. It doesn’t make the whining less annoying, and no, sometimes I cannot even meet that need, but it is certainly not his fault and I am not going to disrespect him by laughing it off as “terrible two’s”.

And thank you so much to you and Hobo Mama for putting together this amazing carnival. Finally getting chance today to read through the other posts. :-D

By: BluebirdMama aka @childbearing

BluebirdMama aka @childbearing — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:20:56 +0000

Not only is it offensive to say Terrible Twos (and that whole boys will be boys thing too Lactating Girl)…I actually think it’s not even an accurate stereotype. I have found 3-4 way way more challenging.

Two? Two was fun. Two was delightful. Two was having a baby who could talk.

I have to store teachable moments in my repertoire. I try to see things from my kids’ perspective but sometimes I really have no idea what they are thinking!

By: Lauren @ Hobo Mama

Lauren @ Hobo Mama — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:42:04 +0000

I love the twos! It’s so fun to hear Mikko talk and create and show me just what a person he is. He always was one, of course, but it’s becoming more and more obvious as I get to hear his thoughts. Thanks for reminding me of all the resolutions I need to have, too — particularly seeing things from his perspective (am having lots of good lessons in that recently!) and not taking his behavior personally (ditto!).

As far as potty learning, we were going through a rough patch of elimination communication about a year ago where I just thought [cue despairing sigh] he would never use a potty again [one more dramatic sigh for good measure] — and wouldn’t you know it, he got past it, and he’s totally using the potty more or less independently now. It all passes. Even if it’s not this year, Kieran will get the hang of big-boy undies. You’re right not to worry.

P.S. Thanks for co-hosting! :)
P.P.S. I’m totally dying to watch the Family Guy clip, but I’m at Starbucks with no earphones. Probably should resist… But later!

By: Joni Rae

Joni Rae — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:03:44 +0000

I love “teachable moments” that is a great way to put it! And that clip made me laugh. :)

By: Dionna

Dionna — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:32:05 +0000

Thank you for commenting everyone! That “terrible twos” remark really strikes a nerve, huh!