Sometimes I forget that Elise is only 2 1/2 years old.We get a lot of comments from people who think she's older than that. I think it's partly because of her verbal skills. She said her first word at 7 months, and was speaking in sentences before the age of two; using words like "because" and "maybe" in their proper context.
It's also because she has an air of maturity about her, probably because of the diabetes. She doesn't really act like other kids her age. It's evident in the play time at the gym we go to. She doesn't play with the same reckless abandon the other kids do. The other day when one of her friends started to cry, Elise ran over to see if she was okay. Little things like that really sets her apart from the other kids.
Sometimes I think I expect too much from her. Like when it's shot time, and every once in awhile she decides to struggle a bit. Nothing big, mind you; at worst, a few tears. But sometimes I scold her like she should know better.
Because I forget that she's only 2 1/2.
Or how I get frustrated with her when she decides to take over an hour to finish her meal. It's not that she won't eat, actually she's a great eater. She just likes to play with her food. We don't really have the luxury of time, but I can't take her food away either. I get frustrated, angry. Why doesn't she get it?
Then I remember, because she's only 2 1/2.
Elise has had to grow up so quickly, and it has in turn made me put expectations on her that I don't know if she can live up to. I need to chill out and let her be a kid. Turn off my inner-perfectionist and instead enjoy these times because she will never be 2 1/2 again.
Ya these things are difficult! I think because they are dealing with more "grownup" issues--for lack of a better term--its easy to think they are older than they are! We do that too! We, like you, though sometimes step back and remember that they are still little kids.
ReplyDeleteShe sounds like my Hannah with the amazing verbal skills so young! So cute isnt it!?
ReplyDelete((HUGS)) 2 1/2 is PRECIOUS. My favorite age by far.
Every year I go to teacher conferences and listen to the teachers rave how "mature" my boys are. That word stings more than they'll ever know. I'm glad that they are the way they are, but they take life a little more seriously than others. L, my kindergartener isn't as "mature" as the others were...and I have to do the same thing you do...not expect too much out of him. He is a kindergartener for goodness sakes!! (For one more week anyway.) :(
ReplyDeleteMy girls at 2 and 4 years old always seem so much more mature then they should be, I call them old souls in a little body.
ReplyDeleteElise sounds a lot like my babies :) Sweet, loving and so smart!
The most magical thing about children is how present and aware they are. 2 1/2 is a wonderful age- being able to embrace that time is giving a gift to yourself because you are right, she will never be "there" again.
ReplyDeleteOH.I.SO.HEAR.YOU. and have totally been there done that!!! I too, have that "inner perfectionist" and am aiming for the perfect #s (lol, yeah right)...and trying to keep my little guy safe etc. I have had to remind myself over and over again that he is just a kid and to let him enjoy being a child and to live in the moment. I think you are doing a remarkable job in raising Elise...it shows in every post, her beautiful face...your caring ways, your sense of humor. Keep up the good work. Don't be so hard on yourself. By being aware you are already way ahead of the game. LOVE YOU.
ReplyDeleteElise is so blessed to have YOU for her mother. Every day is a unique gift...and 2 1/2 is a very special time. Enjoy your baby, my friend.
ReplyDelete