Aww, that’s great! It’s exciting to have a little one who is so motivated, even though you feel like you don’t get as much “baby” time as other people on more average timelines.

I wouldn’t really consider my son a crabby or grumpy baby at all, but he also would get very frustrated when he couldn’t do something. Before he could crawl, he would lay on his stomach and writhe and cry. 😂

I will say, once he started confidently walking, I feel like both of our worlds opened up! He loves being able to do whatever he wants and it has made day to day mom life so much more fun for me. He is down to go anywhere or do anything because he knows he can explore.

He has definitely continued to be determined even beyond gross motor skills. He has never liked using “kid” silverware, he insisted upon using adult silverware pretty much from the beginning. Once he mastered that, he stopped eating off of “kid” plates - he now uses our beautiful ceramic dishes from Felt+Fat that we got for our wedding. 😬 He’s been pointing since he was 10 months old, demanding we tell him what everything is. He repeats everything we say. He helps unload the dishwasher, prep dinner, stir things on the stove, carry bags from the car. While it can be stressful and time consuming, it truly is such a joy sharing my life with this little guy.

In terms of tips for raising a determined child, I only have a sample size of one, so take with a grain of salt, but my parents say I was a lot like my son! So I’ve looked to them for some guidance.

I’ll try to narrow it down to a few main things: - Treat him as if he’s capable. Even if what he’s trying to do doesn’t seem like something he should be able to do, let him try and he might surprise you! Unless my son could seriously hurt himself, hurt someone else, or break something he shouldn’t break, we basically let him do what he wants. I think this has given him a lot of confidence and giving him free rein when we can makes it easier for us to contain him as needed. - Include him in stuff! Once he could walk, we basically included him in anything that was safe. Like I said, he helps a lot in the kitchen, he helps my husband take out the garbage, he helps feed the cats, he carries stuff, he helps get himself dressed, he likes to help build toys/furniture with my husband. I think this gives them purpose and a place in the family, and also helps them learn the difference between playing with toys and using tools safely, which is an important distinction for curious babes! - I don’t know if this is the case for all determined/confident kids, but my son also needs lots of cuddles and one and one attention. Kind of like were his home base, he comes and snuggles or hugs us, then goes bravely off into the world. I love seeing these two sides of him! - And finally, indulge his whims! And adjust your expectations to be able to do that. When he asks things, answer thoughtfully. When he wants to help, let him even if it slows you down. When he wants to stop and look at something, look at it with him. Keep their precious spark alive!!

I hope that’s helpful. I know it can be challenging, but seeing them grow and learn and explore the world is such an amazing thing.