Dressing a Toddler

Page 8 Autumn ‘08 • Nurturing Times Dressing a Toddler, for Whomever She is Today

by David Leonhardt Reprinted from www.thehappyguy.com It takes skill to dress “No. You be Tutter.” OK, I’ll be Tutter. I’ll be whomever you want me to be. Yesterday I was Big Spider. so much so that you were almost convinced it was real. It’s bad news if your mother’s eyes gloss a toddler at 30 mph! The day before I was Spider Web. I remember over nostalgically and she answers, “Yes dear,

Some things we take for granted. Like being a crocodile, a monkey and a detective. I I remember when you were quite convinced getting dressed. Unless we are paraplegic, have no idea who I am anyway, so I might as you were an African dung beetle.” an absolute klutz or have just smoked far too well be Tutter. It’s worse news if she adds, “I think the much cabbage, getting dressed is a cinch. pre-teen years were the hardest. We had no Sure, if you happen to be the winner of idea how to explain the birds and the bees to a the 2004 Imelda Marcos Shoe Collection beetle.” Trophy, you might have trouble choosing just But the worst news is if your mother sighs the right shoe for the occasion. But actually and says, “I remember well. Your father and I slipping your foot into your selection should are still hoping it’s just a phase you’re going be a cinch. through.” The only time getting dressed should pose The best of us go through identity crises a problem is on April Fools Day. Underwear now and then. I am The Happy Guy. I am also is pretty hard to put on when it is drenched in a writer. And a search engine optimizer. And a water. Harder still when it comes straight out husband. And a homeowner. And a father. of the freezer. And even harder when wrapped But not this morning. This morning I was around last year’s frozen Christmas cake. But a very tired and frustrated Tutter mouse puppet that still leaves 364 days of easy dressing. …with a toddler dress in one hand, a stubbed Some things we just take for granted… toe in another, and generously distributed until you become a parent. bruises to prove my credentials. “No!” Little Lady screams in mock rage. “No!” Just come back here so I can pull up your Aw, c’mon, Baby Swan. This is your socks and slip on your dress. Tutter speaking. Please come out from under “No!” the toddler repeats in defi ance. the staircase. Did you know that there are some things “No. You be Baby Swan.” you can do at 30 miles per hour? Putting a I suppose that at her age, she can toddler dress on an agile speed-demon is not probably get away with going topless. But one of those things. Around the chair. Over the back of the couch. Under the table. Into the bathroom. SLAM! Ouch. Make that: into the bathroom door. “No!” It can be scream to dress your child whether it’s for everyday or Halloween. “Are you Tutter?” We hear a lot about the “terrible twos”, sooner or later she’ll get hungry. And when she comes out to feed, I’ll get that toddler dress on Baby Swan. Or Tutter. Or whomever that toddler is today! Please, Little Lady, let me put on your dress. but we don’t hear much about the identity “I’m not Little Lady. I’m Baby Swan.” crisis years. Speaking with mothers down at OK, Baby Swan. Let me put on your dress. the play center, it seems many kids go through “You’re Papa Baby Swan.” this phase. OK. You’re Baby Swan. I’m Papa Baby “I saa-aid, are you Tutter?” Swan. Just let me put on your dress. How did your mother “Now I’m Tutter.” dress her toddler? Tutter is a mouse puppet in a children’s You probably did, too. Ask your mother show she watches. OK, Tutter, let’s put on the if you ever went through a phase when you Tutter dress.” were always pretending to be someone else…

The Spokane Fathers Network provides a time for fathers to come together and share the joys, challenges, values, and ideas of raising our children with special needs. The SFN meets the 3rd Saturday of each month at: Frankie Doodles Restaurant – 30 E. 3rd Ave—10:00 a.m. Come join us and see what this unique group is all about! For more information contact Gregg Osborne at 509-768-1383

PARTNERS PARTNERS WITH FAMILIES WITH FAMILIES & CHILDREN: & CHILDREN: SPOKANE SPOKANE Where the children are seen and heard Where the children are seen and heard 613 S Washington • P.O. Box 248 • Spokane, WA 99210-0248 Phone 509-473-4829 • Fax 509-473-4840

Partners with Families and Children have been helping families since 1987 under various names and confi gurations. Throughout all this time some things have remained the same. We are here to help parents become the best parents they can be so that their families can be the best they can be. We offer several services: chemical dependency/mental health programs for both men and women, Family Team coordination, forensic interviewing and well-child exams. A theme that underpins all of our interventions is child centered treatment. Every step of the way we will ask, “What’s in the best interests of your child?” If the course of action is in the best interests of your children then it will be in your best interest as well. The decisions you made in the past were the best decisions that you could have made at the time. Now you can learn to make better choices for yourself and your children. We receive all of our referrals through the Department of Children and Family Services. You can expect to be involved in monthly family team meetings and treated with respect and dignity every step of the way. We want you to become the best parents that you can be. If this sounds like something you would want please contact your DCFS worker to discuss a possible referral to our program.

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