Mommy's Helpers. Or Not.

I can finally say that having twins is getting a little easier. Sometimes. With their increasing age of 2 1/2 comes more opportunities for independence and autonomy. We get to teach our toddlers how to put clothes on...put their dishes in the sink...clean up their toys...brush their teeth...get up into their booster seats...and so on and so forth. There is no doubt that while this takes an initial investment of patience, I am paid back with valuable time and freedom to not have to meet every moment's need. So we want this; we encourage this; we need this.

And then I am quickly reminded that the twins' interest in learning isn't just to know how to be "mommy's helper". They are curious about a lot more than that. And while I've made no effort whatsoever to teach them these things, here are some of the other (they might argue valuable) skills they have managed to teach themselves:

*how to work the water dispenser on the refrigerator (let's just say I don't need to mop quite as often and there is always a towel handy)
*how to turn the outside hose ON (and somehow not understanding how to turn it off?)
*how to assemble- and more importantly- DISassmble sippy cups
*how to unlock and open the back sliding glass door (gaining unlimited access to the back yard when ever they want)
*how to work the volume control on the tv (great for getting mommy's attention when I'm otherwise occupied)
*how to open the inside door to the garage (which gives them access to all their "stored" toys...for which they have no interest in trading out)
*how to undo the child lock for the pantry (at least they lock it back up when they're done)
*that the step stool is portable...making a whole other level of things within reach (and that any box or bucket turned upside down can be used as an adequate substitute)

If I can look past the messes, the frustration and relinquishing some control (quite a challenge for a self-professed Type A), then I can appreciate the wonder and amazement of their little minds in discovering the world around them, and the self confidence they build when they learn a new "skill". Even if that means they are giving themselves mud baths...right after I've given them a real one.

Happy Mother's Day to the Moms of the world...you make the world a better place!