Kate: 34 Months

Kate has really been into running lately! It’s been slowly coming on as she often sees me lacing up my shoes to go for a run, but ever since she was part of the cheering section for mine and Jill’s half marathon, she’s been all about it. She runs circles around the main floor of our house and asks us to cheer her on. Or she’ll say she’s “going for a run” when we’re outside as she runs up and down the block. It’s so much fun to see! If she’s not running, she’s galloping (another favorite of hers) everywhere she goes!

At Kate’s 2 year check-up (nearly a year ago) the doctor told us it was time to transition Kate from her sippy cup to a regular cup. We offered her a regular cup here and there but she just wasn’t interested (remember her “put a lid on it, Grandma” comment? It still cracks us up!). G and I weren’t too concerned about her learning this skill, so we didn’t push it; we knew she’d figure it out eventually. Well, Kate’s “eventually” turned out to be at 34 months old. She finally decided she was interested in drinking from a cup and mastered it in no time. (These are the trainer cups we used if anyone’s interested – they’re still Kate’s favorite.)

Something else we’re working with Kate on starting this month is not interrupting when adults are talking. G and I have recently noticed that Kate doesn’t seem to like it when he and I are talking to each other (when she’s not involved in the conversation). Our knee-jerk reaction is to stop whatever we’re doing or saying the second Kate opens her mouth, and jump to meet her needs, but let’s be honest – nobody likes the kid whose parents did that.

Instead, G and I talk (after Kate goes to bed, haha) about how to teach Kate that the world doesn’t revolve around her (even though G and I will both confess that our worlds do!). Since Kate is an only child, I think this is an especially important concept to focus on with her. We want her to learn that she is an equal part of our family – she is not in charge of it. So far we’re working on her not interrupting when G and I are talking to each other or to other adults. I’ve taught her to say, “Excuse me, Mommy” if she does choose to interrupt, and then I can either assist or redirect her as needed. We’ve also set the expectation that when we eat together as a family, even when she says she’s “all done,” she still needs to sit at the table until all of us have finished our meals. Those are two of the things we’re currently targeting, but as a whole we’re also being careful to notice if she seems to be getting bossy or ordering people around and we redirect her and/or offer up more appropriate language for her to use to get her needs met (asking vs. telling).

Kate may need some coaching with limits and boundaries at home, but she’s doing great at daycare! We had our very first Parent-Teacher Conference with the two teachers in Kate’s daycare room this month and they had nothing but wonderful things to say about Kate. She even got her first report card, with all high scores!

Of course, the biggest news in Kate’s life this month was our family trip to Seattle (and her first plane ride!) for her Aunt Lesley’s (and now Uncle Ben’s) wedding!

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