Terrific Twos

I gave up parenting books several months ago. I was spending a lot buying them, but not having time to read them. I did read parts of enough different books to realize that at the end of the day you have to do what works for your family, your values and your individual children. So, until someone writes a book about KR&P, I will be saving my money for other things. :-)

I say all that because I think there is a John Rosemond book about "Making the Twos Terrific." I do not own it, but I think I have discovered one of the secrets. KNOW YOUR CHILDREN. I am learning that if I recognize what my individual children's triggers are, anticipate them and even avoid them when possible, life is good.

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying everything goes smoothly all the time around here. Nor am I suggesting that we have adjusted our whole lives to revolve around the children.

As a matter of fact, the best advice I received from a Mom of older triplets was "Do not live your family life any differently than you would have if they had been born one at a time. If you do, you'll look back one day with lots of regret." Turns out, this has been priceless advice. We eat out 4-5 times a week. We have travelled on 5 vacations with the children in the last 2 years...just as we would have done with 1 (well, except with more stuff and an extra pair of hands.) We have made priceless memories, even if people think we are crazy for our attempts!

I'd like to think we are learning teamwork, mutual respect and community. I respect my children's limits, needs and when appropriate their wants. In turn, I expect that they will respect my authority.

I am also learning that I have to let go a little bit every now and then. Sometimes I just have to let them make a big mess, even though it is a really big pain to clean up 3 children.

In return, I am blessed by the exuberance and unbridled joy of the 3 cutest kids I have ever mothered. :-)