Lessons from a 2 (and a half) year old

1. Never leave anything in plain sight that you don't want a 2 year old to get at. Even if it's out of reach.

Bryan managed to climb up to the table, get hold of his medicines and swallowed 2 bottles of syrup. We had to rush him to hospital, where he was given charcoal, observed for a day and discharged with no lasting ill effects. Thank goodness. It was a big hairy scare for me though. Luckily the concentration in the bottles weren't that much and we got there early so the charcoal worked to neutralise some of the medication. Bryan meanwhile, felt it was like a bit of a holiday for him. He had a suite with sofas and a big cot to sleep in.

2. Prevention is better than cure.

Don't spoil a child. It's easier to discipline a child when he's younger than when he's bigger and throwing tantrums. I had to reprimand my maid for letting Bryan run all over her especially when he is being fed. Apparently he's been asking to play with his toys while eating. I always make him sit down to finish his meals.

3. A good sound smack works very well when it's about the tenth time he's pressed the ESC button on your keyboard while you're typing out an important email.

4. It doesn't matter what time you want to put a 2 year old to bed. He will sleep only when he's good and ready. You just have to be patient and wait for him to tire out. In the meantime, saddle up with a book or the computer.

5. Be careful what you say. He will pick up whatever you say and repeat it a million times. Therefore, no swearing at all times, even if you've stubbed your toe on the door.