I’ve gotten a lot of questions lately about what to do when you’re outside of your home routine. I’m taking this as a positive sign that we are able to be out in community again, hopefully taking all needed health precautions.
But we get to be with friends a little more, guys! Which is so fun and wonderful and all the happy feels, but also sooooo confusing when you have littles that aren’t so used to socializing.
All the books, all the blogs talk about how consistency is key, right?
They also say that being in community is essential, both for kids and caregivers. But being in community also means that we have to be flexible. So what do we do?
Different rules for different situations, people. It’s life changing.
Maybe you have a lovely routine during the week. Maybe you hate giving snacks or don’t like to eat too much sugar. Maybe nap time is sacred. Then you go to grandma’s house.
Or school starts. Or friends come over. Whatever, the world is your oyster!
I give you permission to have different rules for different environments. We don’t really do candy at our house, but when grandma is babysitting anything goes. I picked her up on Saturday and she proceeded to tell me about how she had candy corn and cotton candy for the first time. She then promptly sugar crashed and went to bed.
Does school do naptime differently? Let it go. Friends in town? Maybe your toddler gets a little more leeway with messy play.
It’s ok y’all. Consistency is key when learning new skills, but you know what’s more important? Relationships. Friends. Flexibility. Not feeling stressed and anxious.
Focus on teaching your little ones that different places have different rules. And that’s ok, because everyone is different. And sometimes we are even different as time goes on, so rules for ourselves can be flexible too.
Don’t tie yourself down with too much rigidity. And surround yourself with people who won’t care about a cranky toddler or screaming baby. Who just want to spend time with you. They’re the keepers.
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