The curious toddler

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

 

Ayanna's curious about all she sees and hears. Here she's reacting to traditional Balinese music by dancing.

Ayanna has a fascination for all things around her. She's curious about how things look and taste, smell and sound. During our walks in the park, she crouches to inspect little things, especially bugs. To her the journey is as exciting as the destination and the world's small details are irresistible. Her recent visit to the beach was the perfect example - she loved soaking her feet in the sea water, burying them in the sand and collecting seashells and closely inspecting them after.

Speaking frequently to Ayanna, explaining clearing and directly to her about her surroundings and the activities we participate in seems to have helped kick start her language skills as well. Ayanna's vocabulary is expanding as she attempts to repeat and use new words. Reading and singing songs together has helped to stimulate both her language and thinking skills. She has displayed a patience never before seen to sit and look at a book by herself for a few minutes.

Travelling with a toddler

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

 

Just the two of us...

The open road and skies beckon but with a toddler in tow, travel can be a challenge. Personally, travelling with Ayanna as a baby (from newborn to 6 months) seemed easier – she slept most of the time and since she was breastfed, we hardly needed to pack bottles or milk; the next stage (6 months to first year) when Ayanna started on semi-solid food meant that we had to pack some bottled food along but since most travel destinations carried these in their local supermarkets, it was never really an issue. And now toddlerhood – Ayanna's more aware of all that's going on including the fact that she's leaving home to a new place. This means that this very small person determines pretty much the course of our entire trip.

Our recent trip to Bali was centered round the beach. Limiting our itinerary to just one destination proved to be agreeable with Ayanna. We also made necessary sleeping arrangements prior to our travel, requesting for a cot or additional bed. We made sure we kept to her regular bedtime rituals like reading to create a sense of home. We also carried with us a booster seat for use in restaurants when a baby chair was unavailable – this kept Ayanna strapped in yet made her feel as if she was dining like Mummy and Daddy, sitting on a regular chair. Also, the UV tent which we used on the beach was great especially when the temperatures rose – that way Ayanna was still able to play on the beach midday.

We were sure not to leave home empty-handed: we packed some portable distractions such as books, crayons, a drawing pad, Ayanna's favourite stuffed animal, some packet drinks and snacks for when she got hungry.

This time it was a little trickier travelling by plane with Ayanna. Thankfully it was a mere two hours through which we had to keep her entertained. Her favourite things came in handy. My worry about plane travel is pressurization and depressurization that can wreck havoc on little ears. Ensuring that Ayanna is drinking during take off and landing does the trick.

Home...

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

 

We returned from Bali a few days ago. Though Ayanna had a great time by the sea, she is happy to be home amongst her toys and other familiar things.

Here are some pictures that capture her holiday.

Taking shade - this UV tent was great when the sun got too hot.

Playmates - nothing beats a bucket and a spade.

Beach bum - lounging on the beach

More on our trip soon.

To the beach we go...

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Our bags are packed. We're ready to go. We're heading to the beach for a week. It's Ayanna's favourite place - she loves the sand, sea and sun as our previous holidays have shown.

We've packed her swimsuit, her sun block and a UV tent to be used on the beach.

This time we're heading to Bali, which means some time spent travelling by air. The last time Ayanna was on the island was when she was five months old. It will be nice to see her frolicking in the sun as a toddler, running freely on the beach. No need to pack any baby food jars this time round.

Have a great week ahead.

See you next week.

 

 

 

 

21st month update

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Getting here way with the cake...

Ayanna turned 21 months yesterday. She's nearing her second birthday. Ayanna is busy climbing on and off chairs. We've gotten her a kid-size table and chair set which she loves. It certainly makes her feel like a grown up. These days she's eager to help out with household chores, type at the computer keyboard, wash and dry her hands and brush her teeth with help.

Ayanna is increasingly showing signs that she's ready to be potty trained. There are noticeable signs when she's about to have a bowl movement - she moves away before crouching down in a corner. We've started with a routine of using the toilet several times a day, though she's not being fully potty trained yet.

She continues to exert her independence – we try to give in on the little things, without compromising on her health and safety.

Ayanna's language and communication skills are really taking off. She loves to talk – she is especially eager to chat on the phone, even if there is no one on the other end. She loves musical games, reading and physical play.

 

Motherhood

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Every minute spent with Ayanna is a cherished one...

It took me about 8 years before I decided I wanted to have a kid. Even then I was mostly skeptical at how I would handle the change. I continue to learn; I have many questions about parenting as I strive everyday to be the best example I can for Ayanna, hoping that one day she'd be a nurturing parent too.

Motherhood has taught me, above all, patience and that it's alright if I didn't have all the answers and fine to accept help and support. Motherhood has opened, for me, a door to a world I had little knowledge of and now, enjoy immensely.

Motherhood has taught me to live every day to the fullest, appreciating all 24 hours and to find joy in the littlest of things. It's made me love and appreciate my partner more, especially when I see how parenting has come to be defined in our household - an equal affair.

I'm appreciative of my own childhood, though not perfect, has taught me the lessons I need for life. Though I have come to realize that my parenting style may differ in many ways from that of my own mother's, I cannot help but to thank her for setting the groundwork.

I'm most certainly lovin every minute of it.

What has motherhood done for you? How has it changed your life?

 

A recap - Mother's Day weekend

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Ayanna and mummy having fun.

Ayanna and mummy spent our Saturday afternoon at a Mother's day party (organised by Gymboree). It was a first for us – to attend a themed party. The theme was sports day- so Ayanna and I went in as cheer leaders. We had great fun – with games, singing, dancing and art and craft. Ayanna got creative, making Mummy a 'Best Mum' badge, which Mummy proudly wore throughout.

Ayanna getting a little help from Mummy & Grandmas...

Mother's day – there was plenty of time for grandparents- granddaughter togetherness as Ayanna's grandmas spent the day with her.

 

How did you and your toddler spend Mother's Day weekend?

It's that time again

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Here’s wishing all mothers, a Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Have a fun and love filled day!

 

Keep up the great work.

 

You’re simply the best!

To defend or not to ...

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

What do you do when other children in the playgroup exhibit aggressive behavior towards your toddler? Do you a) just watch and let your little one handle the situation OR b) step in to defend her.

 

Do you play the active or passive parent in these situations?

 

I took on a passive role recently more so because the other parents were friends and I simply didn’t quite know how to handle the situation without offending them. I feel guilty for it.

 

Do you teach your toddler to stand up for her rights or be happy she/ he is not aggressive like the others?

 

I suppose teaching Ayanna to stand up for her rights is an important step. It’s essential that a toddler be aware that she has rights. If she’s the type to not be bothered by the grabby behavior and is content to continue playing, there’s no reason I suppose to change her ways. However, if she seems distraught, and is unable to defend herself, that’s when we are to step in.

 

Encourage her to stand up for her rights by saying, “ I’m playing with this now.” Initially, we might have to show her how it’s done and speak for her – “Ayanna’s playing with that now.” If the toy’s been grabbed away, ask for it nicely and firmly – “Ayanna wasn’t finished playing with the doll yet. She would like to have the doll back.” Say thank you and when your toddler is done playing with the doll, encourage her to offer it back to the other toddler. If the toddler refuses, find something else for your toddler to play with. (This is normally how I would have proceeded to handle the situation by simply getting Ayanna another toy but I guess it’s important to do the former as well. It’s something I’d have to learn and try the next time a similar situation arises.)

 

It’s possible, with time and increasing social exposure and with some encouragement and guidance from parents, toddlers will grow more assertive. It’s possible also that they may not. Aggressive behavior, while common, is not at all essential to normal toddler development. Teaching them to fight back is a big no-no. It rarely eliminates the friction between the sparring parties.

 

How have you handled similar situations?

Play group

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Getting to know you...

Ayanna’s been to several playgroups so far. She combines some observation and active participation. Researchers say that about 20% of the average toddler’s waking time is spent staring at objects, people and events around them than in social interaction. Observation is therefore a very important form of participation for young children before they make a move of any kind.

 

If you find your toddler a little clingy at times, do:

 

Give your toddler their space and time; support them if they’re hesitant, embarrassed or shy in a social situation; and encourage gradual integration.

 

Toddlers are individuals with distinct personalities and patterns of development. Our expectations of them should be based on their temperament and stage of development.