Nap Time Rocks!

Not most kids

Whenever I read child development books, I refrain from torturing myself into believing that everything that books say about a child’s progression in development is applicable. This is why I actually don’t read them anymore. I figure it’s pretty useless if I don’t follow the tables anyway and I chart Mia’s growth on her and my own terms.

But I’m not saying the books are entirely useless. At least it gives me an idea what are usual for most kids at Mia’s age. Well, Mia’s not most kids. I’d like to think she’s very special because of the way she came into the world. Since then, she’s defied every strict parameter on living known to babies. She was born 33 weeks into the term, resuscitated twice when she had those scary apnea attacks, was a little delayed in motor skills during the first 12 months, but is now making up for lost time — fast. Mia’s enjoying her newfound mobility through walking, which she learned to do in as little as 1 month. Now she’s roaming department stores on her own, bag in hand.

Now I’m proud to say she’s made progress in her mental skills too. Remember the colorful book find I shared a few months back? She recognizes most of the objects there, like ball, milk, car, feet, and hands. When I point to the picture of the feet, she blurts out a sounds-like word (“wee!”) and puts her foot on the book page. Same thing with the hands picture. And when I ask her, “Mia, where are the stars?” She would point up and say, “Te!” Which means it’s up there. It’s just so amusing to see her learn from repetitive lessons. And all I needed was patience.

Some of the skils she’s also learned are giving, getting, and putting back. Mia has learned to follow directions. Yey! I just knew all that pangungulit is going to work. Haha. Score one point for mommy! Her next lessons include telling the time, tying her shoe laces, and putting on her clothes by herself. Haha just kidding. Although Mia is very cooperative when it comes to dressing her up. She already knows how to put her hands through the sleeves, and her feet through her pants. And she did this as early as 8 or 9 months! I guess routine really taught her a lot. Now my only struggle is her eating. She will eat more if she does it on her own with her hands (and it involves noodles).

So mommies, what do you do when your toddler refuses to eat more than 3 small spoonfuls of solid food (believe me I’ve tried almost everything)?