Daily Routines, Feelings & Emotions...

Life with Thomas is always interesting. Never a dull moment when it comes to spending time with that sweet boy! Thomas has definitely been going through many stages and has been facing many strong battles with his own self will. Times do get very hard and everyone's patients is tested. You want your child to be able to communicate and understand their own feelings and emotions (happiness, anger, sadness) however, at the small and tender age of two years old it is virtually impossible.

In order to make Thomas understand the different structure and activities that I have set into place for him such as, sitting down for breakfast, eating politely and quietly, not throwing your food onto the floor, etc. I have come up with a simple activity to help him be in control of different scenarios that will hopefully allow him to develop a small understanding of what he goes through on a daily basis. 

Thomas has recently become obsessed with Elmo! He asks for Elmo on a daily basis. It is really cute! So his Grandma sent him an Elmo doll that talks, sings songs, and counts. These days, Elmo is probably the only one that Thomas will listen to HA. I had Thomas take his favorite little buddy and "cook" him breakfast. He had to strap Elmo into his seat. He fed Elmo the makeshift food and even gave Elmo water! After breakfast was all said and done, Thomas took Elmo out of his seat and got his pillow and blanket and tucked Elmo in for a nap! "Shhhhhhhhhh!" Thomas tells me! He then proceeds to give him a kiss and say, "Goodnight." 

While Thomas was busy preparing Elmo his breakfast I stood there to help and watch. I would tell Thomas how good Elmo was being! "Look Thomas, Elmo isn't screaming." "Elmo is eating quietly and its so yummy in his tummy." "Shhhhh, Elmo is going to sleep without crying." Just hoping to set a new pace for Thomas so he recognizes that Elmo goes through the same activities that he does! I also keep saying to Thomas, "Who is turning TWO so soon!" "Who is such a big boy!?" Thomas is!! Just to hype up and reward all of his great behavior. We all are still working on his screaming and levels of frustration. It will take time but it really is only a stage.

What are some activities that you do to help your child understand their own daily routine, feelings and emotions? Feel free to comment below and share your thoughts and ideas with us!

XOXO,

-D