02/12/2024
"I’m two years old, and I’m not being bad… I’m just feeling a bit frustrated. I’m nervous, stressed, overwhelmed, and confused. I could really use a hug right now.
So, I woke up today wanting to get dressed all by myself, but I was told, 'No, we don’t have time. Let me help you.' That made me sad.
I wanted to feed myself breakfast, but I was told, 'No, you’re too messy. Let me do it for you.' That felt frustrating.
I also wanted to walk to the car and get in by myself, but again, I heard, 'No, we need to hurry. Let me help you.' That made me cry.
When I wanted to get out of the car alone, I was told, 'No, we don’t have time. Let me do it.' I just wanted to run away.
Later, I tried to play with blocks, but I was told, 'No, not like that. Do it this way...' So, I decided I didn't want to play with blocks anymore. I saw a doll that someone else had and wanted to play with it, but I was told, 'No, you have to share.'
I’m not sure what I did wrong, but it made me sad, so I cried. I wanted a hug, but I was told, 'No, you’re fine. Go play.'
Now, I keep hearing, 'It’s time to pick up your toys.' I’m not really sure what to do, and I’m just waiting for someone to show me how.
Someone asked, 'What are you doing? Why are you just standing there? Pick up your toys, now!' I wasn’t allowed to dress myself or move where I needed to go, but now I’m being asked to pick things up.
I’m confused. Is someone supposed to show me how to do this? Where do I start? Where do these toys go? I’m hearing a lot of words, but I don’t really understand what I’m supposed to do. It’s a bit scary, so I just stay still.
I lay down on the floor and cry.
When it was time to eat, I wanted to get my own food, but I was told, 'No, you’re too little. Let me help you.' That made me feel small. I tried to eat what was in front of me, but since I didn’t put it there, someone kept saying, 'Here, try this, eat this...' and putting food in my face.
I didn’t want to eat anymore. That made me want to throw things and cry. I can’t get down from the table because no one will let me… they keep saying I have to take a bite. That just makes me cry more. I’m hungry, frustrated, and sad. I’m tired, and I need someone to hold me. I don’t feel safe or in control, and that makes me scared. I cry even more.
I’m two years old. No one will let me dress myself, or move where I need to go, or take care of my own needs.
But I’m expected to know how to share, listen, or wait. I’m supposed to know what to say and how to handle my feelings. I’m expected to sit still and understand that if I throw something, it might break... but I don’t know these things yet.
I’m not allowed to practice walking, pushing, pulling, zipping, buttoning, pouring, serving, climbing, running, or throwing. The things that make me curious and excited are the things I can’t do.
I’m two years old. I’m not terrible… I’m just frustrated. I’m nervous, stressed, overwhelmed, and confused. I really need a hug."
Credit to the respective owner