The Littlest One...

You are probably, like me, finding your new normal. That likely includes getting housework done, safely buying groceries for a family who is home all the time, getting work done or even full time working from home. You’re probably managing some type of E-learning for kids in school too. 

Then there’s your littlest one. The kid who isn’t in school, not a member of a team or even a sport. The kid who’s world is staying home and the change for them is all the new people and work being done in it! 

My daughter is 3. Our usual week-day is a morning hustle to get my son (8)happily ready for school and on the bus; followed by a drastic slow down of snacks, dolls, dressup and chores. With everyone home all the time she’s happy but I realize her routine is much different. She has to share mom all the time, compete for toys, tv time and keep up with the most interesting person in her world (her big brother). 

Trying to keep her routine on check we thankfully still try and get a nap daily. She and I sit in her room before and read our way through a story book of her choice as well as our favorite three or four others, and sing our special song. It’s not much but it’s all hers. 

She loves the added fun that her brother brings and the extra crafts and creativity that I try to host in order to keep them both engaged and fulfilled. She is no stranger to iPad time and just like my son, earns it too. 

Most of all I want to remind moms that the littlest wheel’s needs and wants changed too by association and if you’re trying to meet everyone’s needs don’t forget to play tea party and let the older kids have a video game upstairs, or dress up everyone and let her run the show. Be brave and inspire them to do the same, at every age!