When Sam was born, Emily and Caleb were initially a little upset when he cried.
so I explained to them that Sam didn't have any words yet, so he 'spoke' by crying.
When Sam was hungry, he would 'say' that he was ready to be fed. When Sam was wanting some company he would 'ask' for some attention, and company was rewarded with a beaming smile.
When Sam had a wet or smelly nappy, he would 'say' that he was uncomfortable. (Emily was especially quick to interpret this 'speech'!) When Sam was tired, we popped him in his cot and allowed him to learn how to fall asleep by himself, and stay asleep for a full nap. Em and Caleb happily saw that we kindly responded to Sam's needs in a timely and consistent fashion.
Likewise for my precious toddlers. I perservered through training them each to have an afternoon nap or quiet time. This was ultimately the kindest action. A tired toddler is an unhappy toddler, usually with a grumpy mum too. A well rested toddler is a happy one!
