Leap 10

Help! I think is every parents thought when they hear that their own precious little one has began leap 10.

What is leap 10?

Leap 10 begins when your little one is 75 weeks after their due date roughly around 18 months. Your little one is more fussy and cranky and constantly wanting your undivided attention. This is where we are at with James. Our little James who loves dancing and singing. Has grown up a wee bit more but into a younger version of a teenager!

In Sean’s words he has turned into Kevin and Perry. He answers back to us when we are telling him off and goes into a sulk. The only thing he doesn’t do is swearing but he babbles a lot so he might be in his own unique way.

We now have to think of different ways to get through this leap. Or mainly survive this frustrating leap. I do hope this is not what he will be like when he will eventually be a teenager.

I am still researching this leap to find out what we can do and what he might be expecting from us. So if you have any suggestions let me know or leave a tip in the comments!

The worse thing is James is teething at the same time. So with this coupled with him being in pain it can be more difficult to handle his fussiness.

James has been more fussy at tea times. Just sitting in his high chair and casually playing with his food. I know with teething they don’t eat much but it can be hard to handle this. For example, I feel so frustrated and worried. I am worried that he is not getting a nutritious and varied diet. I am also worried that he is not getting enough calories. I do make him lovely meals but he doesn’t seem interested. He eats with us and has the same meal. We make him feel included. Yet, today he hasn’t ate as much as he did earlier this week. I feel I am getting to the end of my tether!

I do think he senses my frustration at him. This does make me feel annoyed at myself. I love my son unconditionally but I am looking out for him and want him to have a good start in life. I want him to eat healthy meals at the right times. I want him to go to sleep at the right time. I simply want him to be safe and healthy. Isn’t that what all mums want?

For me, this leap is the hardest on me mentally. However, I do wonder if it is because it coincides with the lockdown. As we are not getting out to soft plays for him to run around and throw balls. I am not able to get an occasional coffee (or three) from a certain coffee shop! It makes me more frustrated and more anxious than ever.

So whenever, I am off work I aim to get out for a walk with my boys. As I do feel so much better when I get home and refreshed. Feeling less anxious and frustrated. As I can talk to Sean about my worries and James gets a lot of stimulus and occasionally falls asleep. We do let him walk when we are out for a walk but because he wants us more than ever we either have to use the trike or the pram. Especially when it is windy.

Leap 10 should really be called the teenager leap or terrible 2s leap. Is James always going to be like this? Will James start saying “ that is SO unfair”!

So please give me some insight into what to expect.

Hope everyone is coping well with the lockdown.

Stay safe and well.

💖

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