The Twerp

The Twerp, that's what Daniel called Joaquin for the last four weeks. For a month after our five week family odyssey to visit family east, Joaquin entered a stage of defiance and tantrums that lasted a long month. He was horribly argumentative and contrary. I was sending him to his room twice before our day's first outing. On those days my saving grace is his daily three hour naps. I have to admit he was the most trying he has ever been.

I miss my sweet, happy thing that bounced on his toes and found any stick or clever word delightful. Probably the best advice I found on how to handle his trying antics was to help him return to the moment. Some of his tantrums and whining are brought on by desires that can not be met right now.

Joaquin has a new understanding of time. For example, he knows that he watches videos on Friday. Hence his constant asking "Is it Friday?" and "I like Friday." He knows Daniel is home on weekends and he still moans many mornings as Daniel leaves the house.

The tantrums are caused by desires in the future. (He's not really one for worrying about the past.) Two year-olds are generally so happy in the moment. A two year really knows how to enjoy himself. So if I can remind, distract him, into the present then the whining and tantrums for a desire that cannot be met immediately goes away.

It's advice that I should take myself. Stay in the present moment when all is good and let go of thinking of the future or the past which causes stress. No doubt Joaquin is teaching me many things.