paternal instincts

Two year olds copy everything you do, everything you say and the way in which it's said. I have been a witness to this for a while now. Tyler copies friends and family who come over to our house. He'll sit like they sit, talk like they talk and want to eat whatever they're eating (surprise there, huh?). He copies guests just like he copies Daddy and Me on a daily basis.

More recently Tyler has shown a strong interest in being a Daddy to one of his stuffed animals (monkey). Okay, correction, he's really shown interest in being 'Mommy' to one of 'my' stuffed animals. I think he acts like 'Mommy' because he watches me all day. He's not out all day with Daddy at work watching what he does; Therefore he copies Me. I think it's adorable but Daddy thinks some things are going a bit too far. One thing, for example, is when Tyler decides it's time to feed Monkey. He watches brother nurse everyday and thinks that is how a baby is fed. I have been teaching Tyler to use a bottle to feed monkey (because that's how "Daddies" feed their babies).

It's fun to see him copy and learn how things are done in our world. It's also an eye opener to realize you have to teach them EVERY LITTLE THING. But it's extremely fun sewing into his little life, knowing that one day all these little things he learns (i.e. how to feed his baby with a bottle) will be used in the "real world". Then again, there are going to be things along the road that he'll copy and learn that you hope wont be retained or repeated. I think anyone who has (or has had) a two year old can relate with me!