I read
this article recently and it resonated with a conversation that comes up often between Patrick and I. When I was pregnant we used to speculate about what our baby was going to look like and what type of personality he would have. That only multiplied exponentially once he was born and seemed to have a little personality of his own from day one. He was born scowling and opinionated, smiled and laughed early, is always (ALWAYS) moving and on the go, loves to eat, intensely focuses on what he wants to do, and isn't quick to let strangers touch or interact with him. From the beginning we've been saying how he is smart, dramatic, focused, and energetic. But where do you draw the fortune telling line? Especially now that he is beginning to understand what we are saying about him and others. People's personalities change a lot over time. It's easy to try to put a person in a box but it's so important for children to know that they can change and be themselves.
For example, up until a few months ago Mylo was not a very affectionate or attached child, he would push us away when we tried to snuggle him, wouldn't fuss if a babysitter came, and rarely even sat on our laps. But about the time we got back from Argentina there was a big shift with him and he has become much more affectionate, hugging and kissing us, wants to snuggle and sleep in our bed and cries loudly when we leave for work in the morning. It's such a dramatic change for him but of
course he is growing and shifting in his personality, he's not even two years old!
We are trying to make an effort to affirm him and who he is while not boxing him in or comparing him to other children. Definitely not an easy goal. Any advice out there? Would love to hear your thoughts on this....
