My three-year-old daughter likes routine. Her schedule runs pretty much the same for her every day; she gets up at seven, she watches cartoons for a couple hours with her juice cuppy, she eats lunch at noon and naps afterward for a couple hours – life is good for Sophie. Until her routine gets interrupted by…well, by life! Then the moods elevate, the irritability grows, the impatience kicks in…you know what I mean!
She’s a lot like me. She is in a great mood as long as things are going her way, but the minute her way is interrupted by someone else’s need - or, way - then it’s all over. I’m coming to the realization that I am more than my children's mother; I am them, just older and with a little more self control. I throw tantrums sometimes. I get sleepy and irritable when I’m not rested. I need hugs, kisses, and cuddling to reassure me. I am my children!
So as much as possible, I try to keep Sophie’s routine for her. Not only will her day go a lot smoother, mine will too! There are days, though, where change is inevitable. We may have to leave our house to run an errand, go visiting, or – gasp! – got to preschool! Sophie is learning that despite her resistance to change, change still occurs.
As time goes on, she will get older and have to release me - and her routine - from her iron grip. Hopefully her life will become more about embracing change, instead of merely tolerating it.
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