We all want to have some control over our environment and the people around us. Why should toddlers be any different? One of the ideas that I have tried to keep in my mind ever since Goen was born is that all people, even little ones, have a mind of their own. They have desires, wants, and needs. They have their own thoughts and ideas about the world. One of my favorite people in the whole world (and one of the women who assisted at Goen's birth) happened to be visiting us during my baby's birthday. She brought him a gift of music. One of the CDs she gave to him was of an a capella group called Sweet Honey in the Rock. One of the songs they sing, On Children, is now one of my favorites. They sing that children do not really belong to us. We are their caretakers in the world, the people responsible for providing them love in all the ways we can. As I continue to live with this child who is mine, yet belongs to himself, I want to keep this song, this idea, in my mind.
Today, as I was getting pushed around again, I made an effort to have a little fun with his desire to control my movement. And you know what? It wasn't long before he ran off to find something else to do.
If you have been inspired by a song, poem, or quote that has influenced the way you parent, please share it by leaving a comment.