I have to say, it feels pretty great to be one of your kid's go-to people. I always wanted to be a parent and have my kid come to me instead of someone else when they are sad or hurt or want a banana and, yay!, now my dream has come true and I'm one of a few select people who Leo seeks out. That being said, everyone should be able to experience the joy that is Leo when he feels really comfortable with you. So, for those of you who don't have the privilege of spending all your time with this kid, I thought I would write a bit about how to be a rock star in Leo's world so that when you come over for a playdate (and I take a nap), you'll be ready to go.
First, when you come in, it's totally awesome to say hi to Leo, but don't be offended or hurt if he doesn't respond. He's just playing hard to get. So, just toss off a "Hey, Leo" and then...
Second, wait and see what he does. The best way to get a toddler to respond to you is to reach out to them on their level. So, if Leo goes to open and close a door (and really, when doesn't he go to do this?), you should go over and talk to him about what he is doing. Be all like, "Hey! Look at you opening and closing that door!" Maybe say, "Can you get in the closet? Can you knock on the door? Can I go behind the door?" It's okay to think outside the box, but don't go beyond the bounds of whatever Leo is already engaged in. Chances are, he's doing exactly what he wants to be doing and he's not going to take kindly to other suggestions until you've engaged his interest in you as a playmate.
Third, once things are comfortable and you've built up a nice rapport around whatever it is that Leo chose to do, you can branch off into other activities. Leo's pretty much always up for reading books, peek-a-boo, driving cars, running in the hallway, or investigating one of the many, many toys in our apartment. Please note: you may need to suggest more than one activity before he says yes. Don't be discouraged! Once again, he's just playing hard to get. Keep suggesting and eventually you're sure to hit on something that he wants to do. Just make sure to keep a high level of excitement in your voice!
Fourth, now it's time for a snack. You will be Leo's BFF if you offer him seltzer, fruit, pretzels, or really any salty food. You can even say, "Want a pretzel?" to engage his interest and then offer him anything salty and he will just think it is another type of pretzel. Win win!
The most important thing to remember is that Mission: Playdate is almost guaranteed to fail if you come in with your own agenda(unless that agenda involves something awesome like bubbles or a giant box). I totally want Leo to just snuggle with me all day long while we knit individual caftans and Seth plays contentedly nearby but if I tried to push this, there is no waaaaaay that it would work. Likewise, anytime anyone tries to get any toddler to talk, hug, kiss, or really anything - it's probably not going to work out. BUT, if you tell yourself it was your greatest desire to watch Leo open and close a door, then you're sure to find success!
First, when you come in, it's totally awesome to say hi to Leo, but don't be offended or hurt if he doesn't respond. He's just playing hard to get. So, just toss off a "Hey, Leo" and then...
Second, wait and see what he does. The best way to get a toddler to respond to you is to reach out to them on their level. So, if Leo goes to open and close a door (and really, when doesn't he go to do this?), you should go over and talk to him about what he is doing. Be all like, "Hey! Look at you opening and closing that door!" Maybe say, "Can you get in the closet? Can you knock on the door? Can I go behind the door?" It's okay to think outside the box, but don't go beyond the bounds of whatever Leo is already engaged in. Chances are, he's doing exactly what he wants to be doing and he's not going to take kindly to other suggestions until you've engaged his interest in you as a playmate.
Third, once things are comfortable and you've built up a nice rapport around whatever it is that Leo chose to do, you can branch off into other activities. Leo's pretty much always up for reading books, peek-a-boo, driving cars, running in the hallway, or investigating one of the many, many toys in our apartment. Please note: you may need to suggest more than one activity before he says yes. Don't be discouraged! Once again, he's just playing hard to get. Keep suggesting and eventually you're sure to hit on something that he wants to do. Just make sure to keep a high level of excitement in your voice!
Fourth, now it's time for a snack. You will be Leo's BFF if you offer him seltzer, fruit, pretzels, or really any salty food. You can even say, "Want a pretzel?" to engage his interest and then offer him anything salty and he will just think it is another type of pretzel. Win win!
The most important thing to remember is that Mission: Playdate is almost guaranteed to fail if you come in with your own agenda(unless that agenda involves something awesome like bubbles or a giant box). I totally want Leo to just snuggle with me all day long while we knit individual caftans and Seth plays contentedly nearby but if I tried to push this, there is no waaaaaay that it would work. Likewise, anytime anyone tries to get any toddler to talk, hug, kiss, or really anything - it's probably not going to work out. BUT, if you tell yourself it was your greatest desire to watch Leo open and close a door, then you're sure to find success!
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