Should a barely 2-year-old be expected to wash and wax the car?
OK, that's my bad. I probably shouldn't have asked my Crazy Toddler (CT) to do that. But seriously, how am I supposed to know what he can and cannot handle at this age?
Here's my best guess, based on my limited experience thus far — along with what I've gleaned from dozens of TV sitcoms:
Realistic Expectation: CT will refrain from throwing food all over the floor, wall and me.
Unrealistic Expectation: He will clean up the aforementioned mess with a Swiffer mop.
Realistic Expectation: CT won't smack me in the face with a sippy cup when he's upset.
Unrealistic Expectation: He will calmly utilize time-tested nonviolent conflict management tactics to diffuse tense situations.
Realistic Expectation: CT will allow my wife and I an hour or so a day of quiet time as he plays with some blocks or something to that effect.
Unrealistic Expectation: He will drive himself down to the mall with a fistful of quarters and play video games for five hours at a time while his mother and I watch movies, take naps and talk about CT behind his back.
At least I'm learning.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
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Your realistic expectations could be stretching it a bit on some days. But I'm sure you know that already. I think a realistic expectation is to not take your diaper off and sling poo around the house.
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