Three Lessons Every Toddler Should Learn

My son is officially in the toddler stage and is learning new things every minute! Whether it’s good manners, my bad habits, or how to pick up his toys, he is constantly absorbing new information and storing it in his little mind. After a morning of watching him interact with some of his friends, I drove home considering some of the main lessons I want to be teaching Tobias and have him learn.

Out of all the things he is learning, there are a few lessons that are vital in life whether it be now as a child or even later as an adult. Observing him play and interact and seeing the need for him to learn these valuable lessons has been a good reminder and review for myself as well!

Handling Emotions Properly

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” -James 1:19-20

This one can be very tough for a little guy who cannot fully communicate his feelings, much less understand everything that happens during the day. However, it is something that he must learn to do! Now is the best time to practice not only having a control of his anger, frustration or disappointment but try to calmly use his words to communicate his feelings and unmet needs.

We have all seen the scenario of a young child handling disappointment in a less than ideal way. How does that scene change as the child gets older but does not learn how to properly control themselves and communicate what they are feeling? Unfortunately, we see this all too often in the forms of grumpy teenagers, ultra-sensitive coworkers or drivers with road rage. It may not manifest itself in kicking, crying or whining, but adults can also fail to properly handle their emotions and it can impact not only their reputation, but relationships, employment and life over all. This is why I want my son to learn and grasp the correct way to handle his emotions and maturely express and handle them in an appropriate way.

Sharing

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” -Hebrews 13.16

Someday Tobias may not struggle to share his favorite toy truck, but he may have a hard time being generous and considering the feelings and desires of those around him. Ultimately, that’s what sharing is: taking into consideration another’s feelings and wants and generously meeting those feelings with what you can give.

As he is developing more of an opinion and more of a possessive attitude toward his possessions, I want to help him learn to slow down and consider what his friend might be wanting and how Tobias can use his possessions to bless someone else by sharing what he has. It may not always be immediate. We may take turns. And we may need to set the timer as a visual reminder! But we will practice, practice, practice and reward him with high fives and words of affirmation or praise when he shares with a kind heart.

This act of sharing goes against our very sinful, human nature but it is something that can be learned with God’s help, lots of practice and gentle reminders!

My hope is that Tobias can learn to generously share now so that in the future it will be second nature to help those in need and give to others even when it may be a sacrifice.

Life Does Not Revolve Around Him

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interest of others.” -Philippians‬ ‭2:3-4

If you’ve been around a toddler for a little bit, you’ve probably seen first hand how they expect exactly what they want, how they want it and when they want it! This is our sinful nature showing itself once again! We can’t expect a toddler to be born with the instinct to help, serve and cater to the needs of others, but we can help them learn to have patience and understanding! This is a valuable lesson for all of us that can help give perspective to unfair or disappointing situations. The quicker my son can grasp this concept, the easier it will be for him to learn the previous two lessons! I want Tobias to learn and have the mentality that life doesn’t revolve around him and his desires, but instead, it revolves around God’s plan and timing along with other people that are put in his life. Instead of becoming grumpy with an outcome, I want Tobias to stay focused on others as well as God’s ultimate plan and will for him!

There are many important lessons that our little toddler must learn as we show him the ropes to life, but these are some that will effect him and others on a daily basis and can have significant impacts on his life! It’s a daunting task to instill these values in our son, but with repetition, example and most of all God’s help, my prayer is that Tobias will succeed at learning and implementing these lessons in his every day life down the road!

When looking for direction on my attitude or that of my son, Galatians gives a clear picture of what to strive towards! I may need to consider hanging the following verses in every room as a constant reminder! 🙂

“The acts of sinful nature are obvious: sexual immortality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissections, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. But I warn you as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

-Galatians 5:19-23

Having a toddler can be difficult at times as he tries my patience and needs continual direction and reminders. But it has also been such a wonderful reminder of these important lessons I need to be implementing myself!

Together, Tobias and I can work on handling our emotions properly, sharing and remembering that life doesn’t revolve around just us!

–Jen