On Turning Two

Rafa is turning 2 in January. I'm amazed at his development. He is a smart boy. He learned his ABCs, 123s, colors, and shapes early. I think being hands on helped a lot. Ever since he was a few months old, I would play with him using flashcards and books, every single day. My friends were amused because they felt I was very matiyaga to do this. They would ask me if Rafa would even understand at a very young age. I answer, maybe or maybe not. But there's no harm in trying. Fast forward to a few months after, I'm surprised Rafa has taken a lot of interest in books and flashcards. He doesn't really play with his toys much. He likes playing with his ABCs and numbers more than his toys. It is very evident in all of his flashcards and book as it is well-used; some already tattered and torn. I also noticed he can grasp concepts easily and his memory is very sharp. This has led me to think that early teaching (even just the simple showing of flashcards) indeed plays a big factor. We sometimes take for granted that kids will not understand us, but never underestimate the power of a child's (or a baby's) mind. They say the first four years of a child's life is where they can learn and absorb things fast. That is why we have to take that window of opportunity to teach them, as this will also help shape and form their values later on.

Easy to say right? With so many things to do and errands to run, it is very tempting to just turn on the television or give them the ipad instead. It sounds convenient but it isn't in the long run. Although I admit I also do turn on the tv and give into the ipad occasionally, but only when I really need to do something important. I always make a conscious effort to allot time to teach and guide Rafa when he plays. It took a lot of adjustment for me at first (as it is with everything related to motherhood) since a huge chunk of my time and energy is devoted to him. But it was only when I consciously decided that I was going to prioritize him first above anything else and that, THIS is what matters the most to me that I stopped struggling with everything. It was when I accepted my reality that I cannot conquer the world all at once that I soon began to enjoy motherhood. Perhaps I just need to take a back seat, enjoy, and make the most out of this particular season of my life. Seeing Rafa grow into the boy he is now makes me the happiest and proudest mom. I could not ask for anything more.