Toddler

Mr. Independent

Our son is officially a toddler. Which means he's officially everywhere, in the throes of establishing his independence.

I used to silently judge parents in public who seemingly "gave in" to their kids. No wonder their kid is acting like that...they're literally enabling them to be spoiled brats. Now, I know better. It's not a matter of giving in. It's a matter of survival. It's about getting through an experience with the least amount of friction or noise as possible. And if that means giving your kid unlimited goldfish crackers and peanut butter cookies, or allowing them to tear up a napkin and throw the pieces on the floor, or attempt to balance a dinner roll on their (supposedly spill-proof) sippy cup, then you live and let live, thereby avoiding roars of disapproval from your very vocal child and judgey looks and otherwise unwanted attention from fellow bystanders (or in the case of a restaurant, where survival mode is much more acute, fellow diners).

We're currently at the beach with my husband's side of the family, and it's our buddy's first experience with sand and the ocean. He's not really a fan of the water, but loves playing in (and attempting to eat) the sand.