When a toddler opens one present and stops, it’s easy for adults to read meaning into that pause — ingratitude, disinterest, or missed manners. But for young children, stopping is often a sign of regulation, not rejection. This piece explores why some toddlers stay deeply with one gift, what brain science tells us about attention and capacity, and why slowing down may be exactly what they need.

“Am I doing enough for my child?” It’s a question that lingers in the minds of many parents — and one I’ve asked myself as Brandon turns two. Between the little adventures, the everyday moments, and the inevitable self-doubt, I’m learning that love and presence matter more than perfection. Perhaps that’s what makes ‘enough’ truly enough.

When my toddler swiped my cup of tea across the table, it wasn’t just porcelain that shattered - it was a reminder of how little eyes watch, learn, and carry our responses with them. This is a story of accidents, aftershocks, and the surprising ways love and calm leave the deepest imprint.