I honestly thought that the "terrible twos" was just a saying other moms said to new moms or it was just an excuse for lack of a parents discipline and control over one's kids. While there may be
some truth to the latter, I understand that even with discipline and control over one's kid at the age of two, they are there own person and are going to make that known.
Zoie tested my limits and patience on a regular basis and it bothered me so much. Now, I understand, she was discovering herself and trying to figure out her boundaries and limits in our house. Had I
truly known that then, things may have been different. I probably wouldn't of had so many meltdowns or frustrations with myself, because I "wasn't being" a good parent, etc.
Being LDS and following the principles of the gospel can be a little hard for young ones to understand. I remember in one General Conference, Elder David A. Bednar discussed the importance of being consistent in the things of the gospel. I am here to testify and echo what he said. There is some strength and joy that comes from being consistent with scripture study, FHE, family and personal prayer.
Last September, before Zoie turned two, we started to read the Book of Mormon. At first, it took Zoie a while to sit, listen, be quiet, and stop playing with toys. But we continued to make it a part of bedtime routine and as months passed and she got used to it, she would remind us it was time to read scriptures and pray.
When we read, every time we come to a verse that says "And it came to pass" we say "Zoie what do you say" and she will say "and came to pass." Once we made her an active part of scripture study things slowly started to change. Not just in the feel of the house, but with her , me and Ryan's behavior and attitude. We still had our days, but they were far and in between.
Things have been great and she knows her limits and on occasion she still tests them, but she isn't as persistent as she was before.
The last few weeks I have had amazing feelings. Amazing feelings such as how Zoie is behaving, treating others, developing her personality, using her imagination daily, school work, etc. I don't know how to describe them besides, I'm doing what she needs and she is happy, which makes me very happy.
I am just now reaping the rewards of what we sowed through out the past year. It brings me so much joy and happiness, when she tries to read scriptures and pray with Charlotte during the day. When she talks about Jesus, when she sings her primary songs, when she says, "I know Jesus loves me", etc.
Seeing all of this the past couple of weeks, I've noticed she has grown from a toddler to a little girl. It breaks my heart and makes me super happy. I am very proud of the little girl she is becoming and that she knows Jesus and Heavenly Father are there for her to listen to her prayers of gratefulness and challenges and loves her very much.
I know I am doing a great job. I know that being consistent during the challenging times is difficult, but it will soon all be worth it. Parenting isn't always easy, but it will be worth it, especially when you see the pure joy and happiness in your child's eyes. The Lord is real and ready to listen and help you out. He has helped me many times with Zoie and myself and what it means to be a parent. I love the gospel and the spirit it brings into my home.
May you find strength from this and continue to do your best as a parent and apply the principles of consistency in your home and watch the change that takes place.
