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Lessons My Toddler Has Taught Me

Your kids will teach you more than you will ever teach them.

By Natalie SantanaPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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Motherhood has offered me opportunities for betterment of myself. I wouldn't consider myself a good mother if I didn't make mistakes, learn from them, and try again.

By far, the most surprising opportunity for growth has come from my daughter and how much she has taught me in her two years of life. It's extraordinary how children, without any intention of their own, can help you to mature and become more receptive of the world around you.

As parents, we are careful in making sure to spend each day imparting some of the wisdom we have accumulated in our wise years. We explain, we nurture and we educate. And—if we’re doing a good job—we might learn a thing or two ourselves.

My toddler is teaching me that I am quite the work in progress. I get angry and I yell. When I hear my name being called for the hundredth time, I sigh, sometimes even roll my eyes. Other times I may even overreact to things some may not normally bat an eyelash to. And yet, our toddlers are so gracious. Despite your behavior towards them, they forgive quickly and they love unconditionally.

My daughter likes to greet others with simple, friendly gestures. A small wave from her little hand, always paired with a cheesy, toothy grin. It seems as though she knows that every person deserves recognition, even if in her own small way. I can feel her joy whenever a stranger waves, or says "hi" right back to her.

While I never had an issue with being outgoing while I was younger, as I get older, I tend to find myself becoming more reserved.

When she is social in public with kids at the park, a barista at the cafe, or an elderly couple while we are out to eat, in turn, it forces me to engage with each person who interacts with her. Thanks to her curiosity and willingness in spreading happiness, I find myself learning to retreat to my old way of being more extroverted.

She teaches me that she is always watching my every move. If I want her to behave in a well-mannered way, I had to be a reflection of what I want her to be. Why is she so impatient or why is she yelling at me? Thinking about this made me have to take a good look at myself. I am her biggest influence, and if I am patient, kind, good-tempered, and happy, then she will be too.

Thanks to my little one, I have also come to learn I am way stronger than I ever thought I could be, maybe than I ever even thought possible. I’m strong because I’ve accepted the fact that I simply can’t do it all. I can’t be the best at everything. I can be damn good at a lot of things, and that is where my strength lies. I’m strong because I cry out the bad days and welcome the new ones with a smile. I’m strong because I have a little human calling me Mama while she is waiting for me teach her the ways of the world. She’s taught me that I’m capable and strong. If that isn’t something to be grateful for, I don’t know what is.

I have learned that there will be days where I feel like a supermom, and there will be other days I will feel like the worst mom in the world. Some days, I can do it all with a smile on my face, other days I feel like I wasn’t cut out for the job. The beautiful thing is that my daughter loves me on the good days and the bad days. They challenge you time and time again but teach you to love well.

I am so thankful for all that my daughter has taught me and look forward to the new things she will show me.

Parenthood is far more difficult than I anticipated it would be.

But it's worth it.

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About the Creator

Natalie Santana

Sleep deprived mom of a five year old. Hopeless romantic. Will eat any food placed in front of me. Knower of useless facts. If there's a dog, I'm probably petting it.

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