Toddlers are people.
They make decisions about what they think they need. The Tripps'
observation that children interpret everything that happens to them provides
powerful insight into the lives of toddlers.
And it is their interpretation of their circumstances that determines
how they respond to events. If a toddler
suddenly perceives that a sibling has his favorite toy, his immediate
interpretation might be that something is very wrong in his world. With that
interpretation, the toddler may burst out crying or he may decide to retrieve
his toy even if he has to fight for it.
The response flows from his interpretation of his circumstances. In other words, he is evaluating life on the
basis of what he thinks is important.
For a young child, a toddler, being satisfied is important. However,
just as with older children and adults, the reality is that things do not bring
lasting satisfaction. Ultimately, what
brings satisfaction in life is relationship.
And, of course, there is only one relationship that can bring true
lasting satisfaction - a relationship with Jesus Christ. To be able to give or receive satisfaction in
human relationships, you must first be satisfied in your relationship with
Christ. That means resting completely in Christ's provision and care for you.
It means not judging the quality of your relationship with Christ by the
circumstances of your life. It means being sold out to bring honor to his name
in all that you do.
What does this have to do with toddlers? Simply this: things don't satisfy; Christ-centered relationships do. Even though
the spiritual condition of your toddler is uncertain, you can bring the
certainty and stability of your own relationship with Christ to your toddler. This
is an important application of Deuteronomy 6:7 that is often missed. God wants
you to talk about him with all of your children, even-- and perhaps especially--with
your toddlers. Toddlers are in great need
of relational comfort and stability. At
their age, this stability must come from their parents. Psalm 131:1-2 uses a toddler as an illustration
of calmness.
O LORD, my heart is not lifted up;
my eyes are not raised too
high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too
marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned
child with its mother;
like a weaned
child is my soul within me.
Normally, we don't
associate toddlers and calmness. But in this psalm David compares the condition
of his heart quieting for worship with that of a young weaned child being comforted
by his mother's presence. David is
content and satisfied with his God. He has not ascribed too high a place for
himself. He is not consumed with worry and anxiety. His soul is quieted and
calmed by focusing on God's care and control. The God of
The beautiful and calming imagery of Psalm 131 provides a
window to what is really important to toddlers and young children. There are plenty of things to be upset about
in their view of the world. But, the
calm, confident voice and touch of a mother with her child brings comfort and
stability to his worries and concerns. Ultimately,
things are not important to toddlers. What is important is the care and comfort
that flows from parents who are satisfied with God and have the courage to
speak to their children about God's care.
Nothing else will help them interpret the events of their life in a way
that brings contentment rather than frustration.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned
child with its mother...
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Amen, What a wonderful reminder of how we can be calm and content in the presence of our God, as well as a helpful insight to my two little toddlers!