In my last post, I wanted to prepare you for the challenges of a 1-year-old child. Now I want to give you some encouragement. Here are nine reasons to look forward to this early toddler stage. The good news about one-year-old behavior? Age one can be fun!
1. No more breast milk or formula!
Woo-hoo! They are ready to drink whole milk, or if you are against cow’s milk, an equivalent. (Cha-ching! Your grocery bill just got a lot less expensive!)
2. Less pureed baby food and more adult food.
This lightens your diaper bag, lessens the challenge of eating out, and also saves you big bucks at the grocery store. In addition, one-year-olds start to feed themselves. Not only is that functional, but they also find eating to be very entertaining. Their mealtime enjoyment will give you time to eat and possibly do a small household chore. For example, I often unload the dishwasher or do dishes while Little C eats her breakfast.
3. Playtime is fun time!
You can play ball, tag, hide-n-seek, blow bubbles, swing, slide, etc. Everything is very exciting for them, and no matter what you play, they will squeal and laugh with glee. (It really is the cutest thing to see and hear.)
4. Dance party USA.
We dance a lot at our house to music on the radio or music on our kids’ movies. Does, “I like to move-it, move-it. I like to move-it, move-it,” sound familiar? The Madagascar movies are fun movies with high-energy music. If you get out there and shake it, your toddler will gladly join you. They are hilarious dancers too.
5. The cold doesn’t bother her anyway.
They can play outside in hotter or colder weather. It’s also safe for them to wear sunscreen now. Swimming, playing on the playground, playing in the yard, jumping in the leaves, or exploring the snow are all things your one-year-old will enjoy. (Be sure to dress them appropriately for the weather, and practice sun safety!)
6. He starts to follow directions…sort of.
I can say phrases like, “C, please go get your shoes,” and she will do it. (Now, she may not bring them back to me. She may get the shoes, run off in the opposite direction laughing, and throw them in a corner somewhere. But hey, technically, she did get her shoes. Progress, right?)
7. She speaks!
Just recently, my youngest daughter started saying words in her real voice. Before now, she screamed and yelled every sound, syllable, and word. Hearing her real voice speak is precious.
8. Hugs and kisses galore.
When I get home from work, my girls run up and hug me. It’s not just me hugging them, but they are hugging me too. Sometimes Little C will just come up and hug me for no reason. She will also pat my hand and smile sweetly. If she’s really feeling lovey, I get slobbery kisses too. Yes they are gross, but they will instantly make you smile and laugh.
9. Bedtime is for cuddles.
We read books, and then I rock baby C to sleep. Yes, I’m aware this isn’t advised, and when it takes a long time, it can be a chore. However, it usually only takes 15 minutes or so most nights, and I really love it. I rocked both of my girls to sleep at this age, and it has always been a special time for me.
Although it’s true one-year-old behavior can be challenging, it can be fun too. If you are finding this stage to be very difficult and wishing it was over, try to focus on the positive. Remember that right now, your child is young enough that you can still hold them and rock them to sleep if you wish. Very soon you won’t be able to do that. Like my husband always says when I’ve had a frustrating day with the girls, “We will spend most of our future wishing we were where we are now. We will dream of the days when our girls were little and home with us. These days won’t last forever, and we will never get them back. Try to love and live every minute. Before we know it, they will be all grown up.”
Q: What is your favorite part about the one-year-old stage?