Distraction

a bear, really

Mastering the art of distraction seems to be invaluable when parenting a toddler.  Recently, I have had some challenges in this area.  Maybe I’m just incredibly dense but I think I finally got it that once the whining turns to wailing and the fidgeting turns to thrashing, the department of reason has closed up shop, full stop.  This is when - birdies! airplanes! look a taxi! a horse! snacks! do you want a cookie?! here, take my phone! facetime with Papou?! - come into play. However, sometimes nothing works and I feel like doing some thrashing and wailing of my own. I find myself wondering if I should have pursued a career in musical theater to prepare for raising this spritely ball of wills and emotion.  Speaking of musical theater, the endless singing of songs seems to be taking hold.  In her small sweet voice she’s started singing along with many of the favorites.  And this, my friends, makes it all possible.