Toddlers, I understand nobody asked you if you wanted your parents to give you a sibling. Or maybe they did and you said yes. But, hey, you’re a baby yourself, so you had NO IDEA what this meant, and how utterly it would CHANGE YOUR LIFE. If you understood, obviously you would have said, “NO WAY.” You like being the center of attention. You like being the only twinkle in their eyes. This is not something a person gives up willingly, now is it? (Just ask any Hollywood celebrity whose star is fading.) But, despite your objections, it’s actually happening, Regarding this disruption in The Force, I thought, as your representative, I could share with your insistent (one could say stubborn) parents a few tips on family dynamics from your point of view:
1) I am interested. I am noticing everything. I can tell that you think this tiny, squalling entity is precious. I will admit that sometimes, even I think it is cute; precious, not so much. However, I can even feel like kissing it. But don’t imagine that’s the whole story.
2) I am noticing that my go-to person is frequently telling me to ask the other one to take me. What’s that about? Am I chopped liver now? What’s this nasty feeling I’m having? Did I hear them say it’s called Jello-sy? A little reassurance of my important status would feel good.
3) I am noticing that it’s hard to get a lap to myself these days. A kid needs a little private lap-time every day, don’t you agree? Maybe read a good book. With no interruptions. Geez….
4) I am noticing that I’m getting annoyed with things more than usual. And I object to being a big boy/girl all the time. I mean, accidents happen, right? Gimme a break; this baby takes up a lot of space, for all it’s tiny size. Let me just pretend to be a baby once in a while myself; indulge me on this, OK? I might like a few minutes of regression; a little rocking, pretend nursing or baby talk. (I will let you know when “that’s enough.”)
5) I am noticing that there are times when it feels good to be big, to help you change the baby’s diaper or find a blanket. I can open the cap of the diaper cream, or pull out the wipes as well as you can. Helping is a way I can stay close to you, and to feel your admiration…like sunshine on a cloudy day.
6) I am noticing that my baby smiles when I jabber to him. (Yes, I said my baby; so what?) I guess I must be pretty special to him (her). I will keep that in mind….
7) I am noticing that the twinkle in your eyes is actually still there when it’s just you and me, like when the baby is sleeping. Whew! I was worried there for a while. But don’t think I’m all over that jello -thing, or that I don’t notice that he’s (she’s) starting to eye my toys. Oh, no, I see it all….