Since I have shared some of the really difficult days, I want to share some of the best days too. 🙂
Today we enjoyed one of the first days of spring, here in Montana. We got to play at a park with friends in the m orning, and then went to a duck pond and another playground in the afternoon. Lots of laughter and smiles filled the day, and my heart feels so full of gratitude for the fact that this is my life.
This week I have been noticing how my child has an amazing capacity to help me enjoy the present moment more than I ever have before. So I want to just take a moment to say thanks for all he does.
1. When I follow his lead, I am so much more present to the world around me.
Last weekend we were on a walk down our friend’s street and he started screeching. At first I thought it was a sad/angry tantrum, but as I looked at his face he was smiling. I was perplexed for a moment, and then I realized he was echoing the birds in the nearby trees. I hadn’t even tooned into their beautiful songs, and yet he was able to notice and start mimicking them. What a wonderful thing to be stopped in my tracks to listen and “talk” with the birds.
2. He helps me to notice things big and small.
There is nothing like having a 1-year-old to help you notice the tiniest things in life. I may notice a giant beautiful tree, but Chunky Monkey will stop with incredible curiosity to marvel at a tiny blade of grass. He loves to explore every detail of gravel rocks, dirt, plants, etc. I have never spent so much time noticing “tiny” things on the ground level, and I must say, I’ve been missing out!;)
3. He helps me to treasure little moments in a spectacular way.
I have always loved buying myself a latte or having 1-on-1 time with a friend. But now, if I have a moment to myself to slowly savor one of those treats, I soak up every little second as if I was spending it with a celebrity. Similarly, there are such precious moments with my son. Hugs, kisses, and the word “momma” have never been sweater than when they come from this little 2 foot man.
So, I am just feeling especially greatful this week for the gifts this little man brings to my life. I am always thinking of ways to teach him, but at 1 year of age he is already teaching me!
This recipe is great for a healthy gluten-free breakfast and/or snack. This recipe was adapted from a recipe in a great book called “Super Nutrition for Babies” (which you can find on Amazon). It is filled with ideas that are considered easier on young digestive tracks, and yet – still yummy!
Here is the fabulous recipe for these yummy yam pancakes (*adapted from Super Nutrition for Babies):
2 eggs
1/4 c previously baked yam
Pinch nutmeg
1/8 tsp Celtic sea salt
1 tsp Ghee, butter or coconut oil.
1/4 c. Arrowroot powder
2 tbsp. coconut flour or almond flour
Mix all ingredients. Melt the Ghee in a large frying pan and pour mixture out like pancakes. If pancakes are too thick, thin with milk.
*And your little one can even help with mixing the batter.
I found these are great not only in the morning, but for easy on-the-go snacks (in a baggy).
Enjoy!
Quote from Positive Discipline. Jane Nelson & Lynn Lott
This is a tiny example of using the Positive Discipline tool of “Connect before you correct”. I am NOT saying this will always work, but I had a tiny success moment the other day and thought I would share it, in case it could help another parent.
We were leaving Music Together class (where my 1-year-old had just had a ton of fun), and he was not interested in going home. We got to the car and I couldn’t quite open the car door to get him into his seat because the car next to us was about to pull out. So, I set him down in the grass in front of our car and let him walk around in the median a bit (holding my hand). *This may have not helped our situation because he loves to be outside walking around.
Anyway, once the car was gone, I opened the car door and tried to sit him 
in the car seat but was greated with a very hefty hip thrust forward, arching his back and screaming. Yeah. Loud and clear little buddy. You do not want to get in the car. Got it.
I was guessing he was sad to leave class and all the other kids, so instead of having a power struggle to try to shove him in the seat, I pulled him out of the seat and onto my hip and talked him through it a bit. *Lots of connecting to what he was likely feeling. “CM, I know you are sad that we are leaving. It was so much fun in class today, wasn’t it. We got to play with fun instruments and friends. It’s hard to say goodbye.”
Then….the correction.
“Let’s look around though. See! All the other kids are getting in their cars to go home. The class is all done (a phrase he knows from when eating is done). So, we are going to get in our car too, to go home.”
I was annoyed, but did my best to talk slowly and with a calm voice (not easy in these moments).
After a moment of looking around and watching another car drive away, I sat him back in his car seat and talked about the fun that was ahead. “Dad will be home when we get there, and we will cook dinner together and get to play together.” His body softened into the seat and we were able to move forward as we normally do.
So thankful for this tool from Positive Discipline. I would love to hear comments of what you do when you get that hip thrust out of the car seat (or other tough moments). I know they will come again!
I am a post-career SAHM (Stay-at-home mom), living in Bozeman Montana. I share stories and ideas from parenting with a Montessori and Positive Discipline inspired perspective. Also, I LOVE DIY projects and finding great ways to use thrift store or hand-made toys for my little ones.
Learn more about why I say I'm "Just" a stay-at-home mom.