For nearly a year, I had two light switches tucked away in my purse. Yes, you read that correctly. One was a classic white switch, while the other was an off-white, three-way rocker. Why did I carry these seemingly odd items? Because when my son hit the age of two, he developed a penchant for stripping down and racing around our home, flipping off every light he could reach.
In public spaces, he typically kept his clothes on, but I often found myself playing referee as his curious hands reached for every toggle, knob, and button in sight. Elevators became my personal nightmare, and fire alarms sent my heart racing.
During one particularly chaotic errand, I took my energetic little guy to the doorknob aisle of a local hardware store. He was captivated by the endless possibilities of turning, pushing, pulling, and locking. It was a relief when he finally settled down, allowing me a moment to breathe. That’s when the light switch idea struck me. Those two plastic rectangles turned out to be the most cost-effective toys I had ever purchased.
Whenever my son lunged for elevator buttons or eyed a fire alarm like it was a toy, those light switches became my saving grace. I’m sure I looked quite unusual waiting in line for my driver’s license renewal, my toddler on my hip flicking the switches up and down. I probably raised a few eyebrows at the dentist and the bank too. My child often seemed puzzled; every time he flipped those unwired switches, he scanned the room, probably hoping for some magical effect that never came.
Despite how peculiar it appeared, this unconventional solution worked wonders for us. In a world overflowing with parenting advice from social media, blogs, and acquaintances, no one would ever suggest carrying light switches to keep your curious toddler entertained. But for our family, it was the perfect fix.
By embracing this quirky method, I liberated myself from the constraints of traditional parenting norms. I focused on my son’s interests and creativity, meeting his challenges head-on. I realized that, in parenting, you sometimes have to embrace the unconventional, no matter how silly it may seem.
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In summary, parenting can be unpredictable, and sometimes the best solutions come from thinking outside the box—like carrying light switches in your purse. It’s about finding what works for you and your family, even if it looks a bit odd.