Let’s be honest, kids present parents with all kinds of challenges to overcome. Sometimes they make it easy by actually telling parents what is wrong while other times parents are forced to try and read the tells. Moms and dads prod for details, observe their patterns of behaviors, and analyze their cries (and that’s just with the teenagers). But toddlers, bless their little souls, sometimes have a difficult time with expressing themselves too.
Take Ryder for example. No really, after this morning’s episode, I’m fine if you want to borrow him for a couple of days. However, to be fair, it wasn’t his fault. After all, I’m the supposed expert in communication, so I should have been able to read the signs. I just couldn’t get past the “whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” part.
Where was I? Ah yes, morning. Since it was a sunny day, the ayis decided to take the boys outside to play, but Ryder steadfastly refused to put on his jacket – again. This has been a growing theme with him, despite the dropping temperatures outside. Maybe he was too hot inside to put on his coat. Maybe he liked his old coat better. Maybe he doesn’t like the cold…the wind…the feel of PM2.5 in his lungs. Maybe the child just likes being a pain in the neck. If only he would just tell us what is wrong.
This morning, we think we cracked his code. It seems Ryder is not fond of the collar on his jacket; any jacket for that matter. Now I have been tasked with finding a collarless jacket for him that is suitable for Beijing’s winter. Oh boy. At least now we know what is really bothering him. I just hope he likes wearing a scarf. Kids can be so fickle when it comes to fashion these days.
Photo: Mel B. (flickr)
