This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Huggies® Little Movers for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
When my husband and I decided that we were ready to become parents we truly thought we were ready, but boy did we learn quick that parenting is not something you can ever truly be ready for. I thought once we got through the newborn stage, I would be good to go, but toddlerhood created it's own new mess of trials, tribulations and milestones. My family is in a unique situation where between my sister, my brother and myself there are six children all under the age of five that go to grandma's during the day. I often wonder how she survives, but she's put together some parenting tips in order to survive toddlerhood.
Parenting: Surviving Toddlerhood
The baby is not breakable. When you're the youngest of six, you become a bit more invincible. Everyone is a bit more willing to let the others kiss and hug on you because as much as we'd like to keep them all away, it's just not possible. You don't seem to mind much though because you give smiles like these all day long.
Let them figure out their limitations {within reason}. At 15 months, you used to be the baby, but now you're completely mobile and want to do everything that the big kids are doing. You have absolutely no fear and don't quite understand your limitations, but you're learning with each new moment. You could care less that you don't have any shoes on and that this climbing wall is barely climbed by your 4.5 year old daughter. You have determination and mommy behind you in case you fall.
I couldn't resist sharing this Moving Moment because I was in awe of her climbing skills so I uploaded it to share with Huggies® . You can as well. Be sure to Share your Moving Moment and use the hashtag #movingmoment to receive your coupon for $2 off.
The quiet one is just taking it all in to show you his moves so take that extra time to pay attention to him. As the youngest boy that towers over your older cousin of 2 months, you're on the move and quietly looking for attention. You don't want a ton of attention, but you love the smiles and high fives. Sometimes is the slightest glance in his direction that makes him light up knowing that you're paying attention to him. With a sweet smile, you're on the move to the next thing.
The tiny one that used to be fearless, but now looks at you with hesitation needs that extra coaxing without feeling like she's being badgered. As a newly big sister you've reverted back to needing your mama. It takes you a little bit to warm up, but once you feel comfortable you are free wheeling and ready to go. You'll climb with a cup of juice and a cookie in hand without needing any help because that cookie is yours and you're not sharing.
The oldest boy out of the six is quiet and very shy, but if you give him a chance to play any sport he's going to shine. He needs that outlet where he doesn't need to express himself through words. He can show you! Whether it's golf, soccer, football, freeze tag...he's on it and continuously moving.
The oldest of the six is the non-stop talker. You'd talk to a tree if it was the only one there to listen. You love your cousins and are a little mother hen running after all of them, but you're still an itty bitty too. At 4.5 you're still learning even though you think that you should be able to do absolutely everything perfect. Perfection is rarely achieved so we'll keep reinforcing to keep you on the move.
Luckily, Huggies® Little Movers with Double Grip Strips have a snug fit waistband that provide an all-around stretchy fit perfect for all the movers in your house. All four of our youngest toddlers are in Huggies Little Movers and love the fact Leak Lock Protection that Huggies provide. It makes it one less thing for us to worry about with all of them on the move constantly.
Aida @ TheCraftingFoodie
Your mom is an amazing person - 6 grandchildren under 5! I love your descriptions of each of the kids. They're so lucky to have an amazing Grandmother, and I'm sure your mom feels a special connection to each of them!