Equipped for Toddlerhood

My last post may have been a little bit of a downer.
But, alas, it was how I was feeling.

Now, though, thanks to your comments and suggestions, and the amazing list of resources my friends over at the Natural Parents Network gave me, I feel more confident and equipped to enjoy this season of life.

I hope to have many success stories to share with you in the future. Stories of allowing Burkley the freedom to express himself and be himself, right where he's at developmentally. I know that without controlling him, I can model for him appropriate behavior and guide him away from danger as he grows into and explores independence.

One of the resources I was given included this great list. I plan to print it out and hang it somewhere prominent in my home,  as these are things I know I will need to be reminded of often. I want to note that I do have thoughts of my own based on each of these, and maybe I will do a blog series on them. I have a little addendum to many of them as I cater them to adhere to our family values and beliefs.

Declaration of Complete Confidence in Children

1.     Adult-like behavior matures by the time we are adults.

2.     No expectations means no disappointments for us, and no damaging pressures for our children.

3.     Children respond best to modeling and leadership, not control.

4.     Trust... and wait.

5.     Choose between your momentary convenience and your long-term goal for your child's sense of self.

6.     Enjoy your child for who he is, not for who you would like him to be - he will never be this age again.

7.     Distinguish between your emotional needs and what your child feels and needs. Act toward your child in harmony with her needs; take care of your emotional needs elsewhere.

8.     Celebrate your child's uniqueness as well as your own.

Here's Burkley exploring our neighborhood "independently" as we watch and safeguard a few steps back.