Boundaries!

I love my daughter with all my heart. But she joined an existing family. We didn't stop our daily lives and routines when she joined us. We won't rearrange everything in her world just so we don't have to say or teach her.

My daughter is learning to walk. It's such an adventurous time for her. She can explore all the places she's been eyeing for months now. I enjoy watching her learn and grow through this phase. It's full of laughs. It's also full of no's.
People keep telling me that I'm entering the time where I need to babyproof my house. They tell me to put everything out of reach. But I have to wonder how accurate they are in their advice to me. If I take everything out of her reach and never say no, how will she learn limits and boundaries? Everything would be accessible to her if I took all the valuables away.

I want her to learn that sometimes things are off-limits and out of reach. Then when she is older and more responsible, she can earn the privilege of touching and experiencing new things.
So I am not destroying my house. We've said a lot of no touch and seen some tears shed. But I see her starting to learn. She's learning there are many more things she is allowed to touch and reach. She's also learning to obey even when she doesn't understand why. Someday I hope this lesson will save her from painful experiences.

I love my daughter with all my heart. But she joined an existing family. We didn't stop our daily lives and routines when she joined us. We won't rearrange everything in her world just so we don't have to say or teach her no.
We will, however, enjoy watching her learn and grow. Even if that means a few tears along the way.