My daughter has pretty much kept me entertained ever since the day she was born. The entertainment still kept on through her first words, to her first steps, first dance, first songs and so much more firsts. As she's growing into her toddlerhood, the entertainment factor comes from her wits.

One example was when she told me, "Nanay, you should listen to me!" We were arguing about tidying up her toys. She wants them all out on the floor where it can hurt anyone and by anyone, I meant me. I've been stubbed by her legos, and her toy traffic cones countless of times already. And I've had enough so I am enforcing a clean play area policy.

She used that you should listen to me phrase after I had an outburst of emotions when I told her off for shouting. (Different situation.) Seriously, having a toddler is like living in a jungle. Maybe she figured that if I am asking for her to listen to me, then I should give her the same treatment. And I thought this kid is good.

Then one day, she found a way to stop me from telling her off whenever she did something out of line. Kids tend to really test the limits most of the time. One day, I was about to be angry at something she did (I seriously couldn't remember because of what she said that day.) She said, (with her wand waving) "Bibbity bobbity boop! You're not angry anymore!" Andagically, I wasn't angry anymore. I let her watch Cinderella one time. Just. One. Time. And she gets that magic trick! And it worked.

So a few days later after that incident, she was about to throw a tantrum over her toys. I tought, it's payback time! I said, with all the magic powers I have, "Bibbity, bobbity boop! You're not sad anymore!" Then she smiled. Then, she paused for a bit. Who knows what she was thinking that time. What's important is thatbI distracted her from throwing a tantrum.

I have another win just today. Having her learn to eat by herself was a struggle. I don't really mind that since she's still a big young. But I got to introduce the concept to her somehow. I noticed that the statement "Hold your spoon." makes her a bit upset. Maybe she's realizing she may not be viewed as a little baby anymore. I think toddlers really do go through that phase. Then today, I asked her "Do you need help with your spoon?" To which she immediately replied, "No, Nanay. I can do it myself."

Hah! I found her sweet spot right there! So she still wants to be treated as a baby, but wants to be independent at the same time. Kind of complicated but I found my magic words. And that's what matters.

Raising a kid is really challenging. And that's an understatement. But it can be very much rewarding. Another understatement. But whatever happens, as long as your kid knows she is loved even when you both try to outwit each other, then you're in the right track.

But seriously let's all stay home, stay indoors, stay clean and healthy so this pandemic be over soon.