Please give me the strength to…
…Function at work when the little one has kept me up all night. Even if I need an IV coffee drip to do it.
…Not scream at the little one through the night when she asks to go on the potty for the sixth time in the middle of the night. She wants to sleep too (I think) and it is very clever to use the potty. Think how much you are saving on nappies.
…Not barf on the little one’s head when she tries to put a half-chewed and squished piece of food in my mouth. It shows she has a generous, sharing nature.
…Laugh again and again at the same joke repeated on a seemingly endless cycle even though it wasn’t funny the first time because she is laughing and there is nothing better than hearing a child’s laughter and that makes it worth it.
…Engage in activities with the little one at 6am even if I don’t approach them with enthusiasm (she won’t notice or care)
…Watch Cbeebies (even the programmes like Lazytown and 3rd and Bird which I hate) because they give me some very valuable breathing space.
…Remember that most people don’t find the subject of potty training, dirty nappies and general toilet habits of a 2 year old interesting. Try and remember you wouldn’t have either before the little one arrived and keep quiet!
…Accept it’s ok to splash in puddles, it’s ok to splash in the mud. You’ve always been scruffy so when the little one asks you to carry her afterwards, accept that you will be covered in mud.
…Deal with the stress of making something nice and healthy for a meal only to have her not even try it and demand a Dairylea Dunker / bowl of cereal instead. Keep on trying, her tastes change each day and she’s not starving.
…Remember it is impossible to have too many “cuggles”. One day she won’t want them any more and you will miss them immeasurably. Besides, it is helping with your strength and fitness to have her perched on you having a cuddle while you try and prepare breakfast/lunch/dinner/snacks whilst trying not to burn/cut her.
…Keep a sense of perspective when she’s naughty. Sometimes it’s the only way she can get attention. Instead of being annoyed at her, question what you can do differently and how you can entertain and stimulate her better…oh and if all else fails, scream, drink coffee and eat cake!
…Enjoy each moment in the little one’s life, no matter how tired or ill I feel and no matter how naughty or bratty or demanding or whiny she is being. Remember you would give anything to be in a position to complain about Adam whining at you. Each moment with her is precious. She is precious.
