The Battle of the Highchair Lock

Every night, and I mean EVERY night, my toddler has to mess with the lock on her high chair. It goes like this…

We sit down for dinner, and she must fasten herself in. We pray (which, btw, she is the cutest during prayer. She nods and winks and holds hands), we eat, and when she is all done we unlock the tray and move it out of the way. I don’t know why I always kind of get surprised that she has to lock herself in about a gazillion times again. She messes with both sides until she gets them in. Sometimes I get a “Mama” when she can’t quite get it. This is usually when her clothes get in the way or she just can’t get it to catch. Then I have to celebrate her victory and unlatch the lock again. And again. And again. It’s usually about a 15 minute ordeal.

Here’s the thing. It’s exhausting and can be frustrating. It’s bedtime. We have to get the two older kids to clean up their toys, and we have to clean up after dinner. More than likely she’s going to want to nurse after, and she may even be screaming from exhaustion at this point in the day.

And here’s the other side….

I am teaching her life lessons. She is learning not only how to use her hands and thumbs and the concept of “lock” and “unlock”, she is learning to be sufficient. She is learning confidence. She is learning patience. She is learning “if at first you don’t succeed, try try again.” She is learning she can do anything she puts her mind to. And I am so blessed to be able to witness this tiny mind work.

Isn’t it incredible the amount of determination children have, even at the youngest age? What would happen if, as adults, we didn’t lose thay? Can you imagine how many more people would be living the life of their dreams instead of accepting what’s thrown their way? Amazing.

If you have littles, try to slow down and soak in the teaching moments. Bask in the awesomeness of their little minds. And celebrate them for it. Even when it’s tedious, or frustrating, or exhausting. They deserve it. And it’ll do you good to appreciate little miracles.

Much love & hugs..