Like many families, my husband had the day off from work today, which in turn meant my load was lightened as well. It’s been a pretty laid back day here, or as laid back as can be expected considering our current situation of having three kids under two. We’ve cuddled the girls, enjoyed their smiles, played cars and tractors with Bay, gone on runs, and endured two temper tantrums thrown by the little man when he didn’t want to eat breakfast in his booster seat or sit in the stroller. I’d say we are on the brink of a stage with Baylen when we’re going to have to figure out what type of discipline works best with his personality and age. He is definitely starting to test our limits. There is always so much to learn, and I am daily humbled and reminded of how much I absolutely NEED to lean on the truth and advice from our Heavenly Father and those who have gone before me in this parenting journey.
While parenting certainly has its easy moments and harder ones, I’m reminded today what a blessing it is that I get to go through all those moments in a free country, where Jake and I get to decide what’s best for our family. We don’t have to answer to anyone except ourselves and the Lord, and what a blessing it is that we GET to seek the Lord as we go through every obstacle and reap every blessing.
Freedom. Wow, what an amazing privilege. Yes, today I am thankful for all the men and women who have fought and continue to fight so that we can live in this incredible free country. If any of you happen to read this little blog, thank you, thank you, thank you!
And to those of you who have gone before me in this parenting journey, or have experience raising or disciplining children, I would just love your advice. Are there parenting/discipline books, resources, or strategies you’ve used that you would recommend for toddlers? My son is 19 months and I need to learn quickly!
Thanks in advance for your help. I truly am so grateful for you! And would appreciate prayers as well! 😉
Much love,
Amber
P.S. For more reflections on parenthood and life, follow us on Facebook (Hun Let’s Run) and on Instagram: @ambermariekuiper and @jakekuiper! We’d also love for you to subscribe to our Hun, Let’s Run Podcast! For more info about joining our fitness community as a customer or coach, please email us at amber@mommysmetime.com!
2 Comments
Good job with everything, Amber! You have your hands full for sure, but definitely a great attitude! I can only imagine how difficult it would be last week when Bay was getting up too :(. Hang in there! I am glad you have such a great support system! Regarding disciplining toddlers, I am certainly no expert, but I am learning daily 🙂 One of my favorite books is called Creative Correction, and has a “toolbox” at the end of each chapter of specific things you can do. There is a whole chapter dedicated to toddlers! Each toddler is different (mine is now a preschooler but was and is quite spirited, so I also love the book: Raising your Spirited Child). Not all the same techniques work for each one, but I would be happy to help in any way if I can. I have 4 “go-to” moms that have older kids to whom I send out my SOS plea each time I have an issue, and they tell me the techniques that work for them. It’s awesome! The biggest advice I can give you is to stay calm, and to be consistent between you and Jake. Praying both alone and with your toddler is awesome too 🙂 Good job, good luck and hugs!
Kelly! Thank you SO much for these great resources. I’m going to check them out for sure! And thanks for your offer…I may be texting you with some questions about situations as they come up! Thanks again!