With my older son starting school last week, I’ve discovered a newfound opportunity to bond with my 2-year-old, Oliver. It’s remarkable how much I’ve overlooked about him, especially since he was often carried along on our family adventures since birth. Thankfully, Oliver is a cheerful kid who doesn’t fuss much—probably because he often gets overshadowed by his big brother. Now that Max is away at school, I can finally focus on spending quality time with Oliver. Here are nine things we can do together now that I have his undivided attention.
- Engage in Uninterrupted Conversations
I’ve finally learned that Oliver has plenty to say! I always assumed he was just quiet, but it turns out my attention was simply elsewhere. - Revisit His Middle Name
I must admit, I had to pause and remind myself what Oliver’s middle name is—it completely slipped my mind! - Explore New Foods Together
Because Max often dominates dinner discussions with his “YUCK” reactions, Oliver hasn’t had much say in his meals. I’ve discovered that he’s actually quite open to trying sandwiches, no matter how they’re cut. - Discover His Eye Color
I’ve noticed that Oliver has striking blue eyes—something I never took the time to appreciate before. - Allow Him to Wake Up Naturally
Instead of being jolted awake by his brother’s exuberance, I can let Oliver wake up from his nap at his own pace, which is a much more peaceful approach. - Play Freely Without Interruptions
We can enjoy playtime without the chaos of superhero antics, like Batman crashing through our carefully constructed train yard. - Meet His Friends
On a recent trip to the park, I was pleasantly surprised when Oliver climbed into the sandbox and greeted another child with a friendly “Hi, Sadie.” It was great to see him socializing! - Learn About His Skills
I had no idea when Oliver became proficient with a fork. While I was busy addressing Max’s dinner-time theatrics, Oliver managed to master this skill all on his own. - Give Him a Calm Bath
Oliver can enjoy a relaxed bath without the splash zone created by Max’s enthusiastic involvement. (To be fair, Oliver has his moments of excitement, too.)
It’s been refreshing to deepen my relationship with Oliver, the little guy who patiently waited while I dealt with Max’s demands. He’s a wonderful child with much to share, at least until the clock strikes 2:30 in the afternoon.
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In summary, I’m grateful for the chance to connect with Oliver now that Max is in school. These moments of discovery have enriched our relationship and allowed me to truly appreciate the little things about him.