Recently my friend Dana told me that she’s been trying to foster Reagan’s independence by giving her little choices during the day. She’s been reading about how kids between the ages of 2 and 3 are capable of making small decisions and even dressing themselves (not our kiddos yet, though…maybe when they get closer to 3…). I had to laugh when I heard that because I am still totally treating him like he can’t do anything himself! So I decided to take two areas where it doesn’t really matter and let Tommy make some decisions. This past week, I’ve been giving him a couple healthy options for breakfast (though I can usually predict which one he’ll choose). Lunch and dinner are still what I decide to serve him, but there are many ways that he can have a good breakfast. I’m also letting him help me pick out his clothes for the day. I decide whether we’re going to look in his shorts or pants drawer and if he’s wearing short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts. But otherwise, he’s had a lot of fun picking out his clothes! Of course the overalls go on if they are ever an option, and he’s really big on wearing his Navy shirts from Uncle John. This morning I tried to explain to him that we can’t see the USNA letters if he wears it with overalls, but he still wanted to. So here’s what he picked out for himself today… (He spent the next half hour telling me what he hadn’t picked out–“not dinosaur shirt, not red shirt, not bow tie…”)
I read this post to Christopher and showed him the picture of Tommy in his overalls/Navy shirt, to which Christopher replied, “That’s awesome. He’s such a guy.” 🙂 You’ve got one cute little boy there, friend!
Oh, just give him a few more months and (if he’s anything like M, at least), he’ll be wanting to make all sorts of decisions! Sometimes it’s fun to see what her preferences are and sometimes it’s a real bother. But her independence is surging as we near the three-year mark! Hoping baby Muller will come soon and praying for a safe and smooth delivery!