Babies come with all sorts of challenges, and three-year-olds bring their own!

 

Our three-year-old is terrific, she speaks fluently (and non-stop), she’s empathetic and, most of the time, very caring. She’s adventurous and clever. Yes, yes, I know, every mother thinks her own gosling is a swan.

 

This little girl is still learning how the world works. She’s learning that she can’t get everything she wants and that’s no easy task. That little body must process some huge emotions. I now understand why people refer to three-year-olds as “threenagers.” The attitude, strong will and rollercoaster emotions, ranging from rage to deep self-pity, are all there.

 

A play therapist recently spoke to me and a friend about how to help toddlers and pre-schoolers manage these emotional ups and downs. And here’s the keyword: Help. Three-year-olds are still learning to self-regulate, so when they become overwhelmed and experience outbursts, we must be there with them. Even if that means sitting beside them and saying, “Mommy understands. Mommy is here. Mommy knows this is not nice. Mommy understands.”

 

Isn’t it the same for us sometimes?

 

Sometimes, you’re angry at God. Furious. Sometimes, life feels unfair, hard, or you’re dealing with sadness and disappointment. Maybe you also feel like slamming the door of your heart and lying on the floor to cry. Maybe you even want to yell at God like a three-year-old: “I’m not going to be your friend anymore!”

 

Just know this today: God understands. God is still there. God knows it’s not easy. He will continue to sit with you in your situation.

 

He is our Father.

 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for being with me when I feel angry or I am being unreasonable. Thank you for staying with me, no matter what I go through. Amen.