Even though Brennan still isn't really talking at this point (19 months and counting), he really does understand what we say quite well. We try to use every opportunity he presents us with to reinforce the idea that we expect him to listen and obey. Some days he does better with this than others. Some days, he's like the perfect child and other days, it's like he's completely forgotten every instruction we've ever given him. This week has been a prime example of this roller coaster. On Monday, he did fantastic, but he tanked yesterday. Weeks like these are definite challenges. But it made me remember and draw comfort from a blog post my friend Anne did quite a while ago, which has stuck with me all this time. She had been experiencing similar challenges with her oldest son, and a friend's advice helped her to keep things in perspective and view the growing up phase as a roller coaster--there will be ups and downs, and it's all a part of learning and growing.
It's a good reminder to me that I need to just simply expect ups and downs with Brennan, instead of expecting a constant up pattern of growth and development. And I need to remind myself of what an overall great kid Brennan is instead of focusing on what I wish he would do or learn or how I would like him to behave.
This whole parenting thing is quite the adventure! (And it's only just begun...)
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