Big Changes in a Short Time

I hope that I’m not jinxing myself by writing this blog, but I honestly feel that we’ve entered an awesome age and stage with the girls.

Don’t get me wrong, all stages are awesome in their own rite, but some are definitely more ‘trying’ than others, and when caught in that moment, we often forget to appreciate it.

It wasn’t that long ago that I was writing a blog about how life with three year olds was one of the hardest stages we had gone through as parents. At that time it was so hard to gauge what would work one day to the next, what course of action to take, what type of discipline would be effective.

I look back on how we felt…just a couple of months back, and it feels like a lifetime ago.

The girls have done a complete 180 in terms of listening and understanding since then. They may not LIKE what they’re being told, but they now understand what is expected of them as well as what is and isn’t allowed and why. Sure they still try to fight us on things and they’re definitely vocal with their opinions, but it’s just… different.

I guess the best way to explain it, is that it’s not a two-tiered battle anymore; for a while not only were we telling them WHAT they could and couldn’t do, but we also had to teach them WHY as well as WHAT consequences came with their actions.

For example; we would have to tell them that they weren’t allowed to hit each other, that they were to use ‘gentle hands’. We would then have to explain why this was the rule, followed by what the consequence would be if they didn’t listen and then implement those rules if need be.

It was exhausting…for us and for them.

Now, they know the rules, they don’t always follow them, but when it comes to actions and consequences they don’t question it, and THAT makes a world of difference.

The cottage this year is a perfect example: Last year they listened but they would fight us about putting on their lifejackets or their shoes because they were just so excited to get outside and play (we are surrounded by water so wearing lifejackets is a rule in most areas around the cottage).

This year, they actually remind US of the rules, about the fact that they need their life jackets. They tattle on themselves for forgetting to put on their own shoes. They even had Grandma install a little hook on the railing to hang their lifejackets. And if they happen to forget a rule all is takes is a simple reminder and they say “Oh yes, yes.”

I don’t remember the exact details of our time spent cottaging last year, but I have to say that this year has been a very relaxing and fun experience with our girls. Now if only I could figure out a way to freeze time to keep them at this awesome age and stage just a little bit longer.