Look At This Great Big World Around Me…..
The youngest of my three children is a fifteen month old girl. Kloe is truly delightful! She is in that stage that her little mind is saying, “look at this great big world around me………..LET ME AT IT”. 
She wants to touch, climb and destroy everything in her path. I am constantly reminding myself, she is curious and wants to try everything.
While Kloe is awake, my attention is all about Kloe. If it wasn’t, I’m sure she would be hanging from the chandeliers or re-programming all of our electronics.
As much as I love her curiosity and zest for life, it makes my life really hard! I have two other children to spend time with and take care of, school to teach and a home to run. It often causes frustration, but in those moments I always remind myself how much I am going to miss those wobbly little legs and mischievous smile!
On the flip side of the frustration, there is such JOY! I love watching her face when she sees something new, it is priceless. Her mouth opens wide, her eyes light up and it is magic!! These are some of the things I have learned in making these months of her life a little easier:
-Make the house as child proof as possible! Make it so she can wander and explore in a safe environment. Put child-locks on the cabinets, keep doors closed to rooms where there are choking hazards. Have baskets of toys available for her to be creative with and age appropriate for her. Finally, let go of getting my things done while she is awake. Hop on the floor and play with her………these moments won’t last forever!!
-When I simply must do other things like a puzzle with the older children or get kids dressed and ready to get out the door, I pull out the playpen. I have always been anti-playpen but a friend recommended it and it has worked wonders! I plop some toys and a soft blanket in there and I don’t lose my mind trying to get everyone out of the house.
-Finally a schedule for Kloe is crucial. Her nap time is during the same time each day. That is my time to teach school, rotate the laundry, read with the kids or play games. She also goes to bed earlier then the older children so I can have that time to get some things done that I need to or spend more time with the family.
What do you do to keep your active toddler happy and out of trouble?
