Monday, June 6, 2011

toddlers and introverts

My friend, Liz, just posted this about how being an introvert and having a toddler don't necessarily mix.  It's oh so true and reading her post was a light bulb moment for me.  So that's why I get so exhausted!

I absolutely adore my daughter.  She is the best thing to ever happen to me, other than Jesus and my husband.  There's not a day that goes by without her making me smile.  But sometimes it is so darn draining trying to figure out how to keep a toddler entertained.  And my toddler is decidedly not an introvert.  She loves people.  She adores people.  She can't wait to get together with other kids and play.  She loves grown-ups.  Even grown-ups who aren't kid people.  And that's great.  I admire that about her.  I see her in public with people and so ready to go up to other kids and say, "You wanna play with me?"  As a little girl, I don't think I ever would have done that.  I was too busy hiding behind Mom.  I admire how socially proficient she is.

But when it's just her and me and I'm having a low-energy day, it can be so draining to be asked the same question again and again. Sometimes I give up and plop her in front of the TV.  But I don't feel great about that.  It takes focus and concentration to keep up with a toddler who only stops talking to drink her milk and sleep.  So often, (if I had my druthers)  I'd enjoy just putting my feet up and reading a book while she plays on the floor.  I love to be near her.  I love the sparkle she brings to my life. I love the new things she says and does each day.  But sometimes I'd like to be together quietly.

How do I keep my toddler entertained on her level without losing my own mind?

Time to remind myself again that I will long for these days later.  And even if sometimes she drives me a little crazy, I love her so darn much.

5 comments:

  1. I'm an extrovert with a more independent child. I can't tell yet if she's introverted or just interested in exploring things that aren't mommy at the moment. It's too bad we don't live closer together, because we could switch for a day - you could read while my lady bug plays with her books on the floor, and I could chat with Burrito :)

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  2. I know the feeling, but the good thing is that some days are indeed better than others!

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  3. Embers, I wonder if God gives us opposite children to balance us out...kinda like how people tend to marry opposite personalities. I think 9 times out of 10 having Burrito this way is good for me. It's just that one time out of 10 that it's tough because we're stuck at home in the rain.

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  4. For your consideration: Burrito needs to learn lots of different things. One of those things is to be considerate of her mother (and other people.) I wouldn't expect her to be able to discern when the time was right for keeping quiet, but with teaching she should be able to learn it.

    Ben Worley - Pastor in Iowa who found your very interesting blog via Lutheran CORE on Facebook.

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  5. Hi Ben, Glad you found my blog! I agree that Burrito needs to learn to be considerate of others and that's why I do demand she treat me politely. But I also try to distinguish between rebellion and simple toddler curiosity. Thanks for your comment!

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