Things definitely change when you have a baby. Your life will never be the same again. But make sure you take the time to cherish these moments with your little one… you will definitely be able to relate to these ten reasons why the toddler years are the best (and worst) years of your life as a parent.
As a new parent, things seem overwhelming. You have to change the way that you do everything. EVERYTHING. You can no longer just roll out of bed and be ready to leave the house within 20 minutes. You no longer can go where you want, when you want. You no longer leave the house without a huge bag of stuff for the baby that will include anything that you could possibly ever need while not at home.
You probably don’t even recognize your life anymore—but in a good way.
Just wait a couple of years. Things change again. Your child hits their toddler years.
Yes, the toddler years come with some frustration and challenges. However, now that my third child is almost done with his toddler years and starting preschool, I find myself longing for the days when my kids were younger and all I had to worry about was the toddler stuff.
As a parent, the toddler years are the best—(and worst)—years of your life.
Here’s why:
You get special snuggle and cuddle time with your toddler at bedtime. (Your child will not fall asleep unless you are right. there. by. them. Don’t move because they will wake up and you will have to start the process all over again.)
Your child wants to be with you all the time. (Going to the bathroom by yourself is not even possible anymore.)
Your toddler loves to learn and explore. (Your house is a constant mess for a few years—don’t even bother trying to keep it clean. It. Won’t. Happen.)
Reading books with your toddler is a daily occurrence. (It is inevitable that your child will decide that he or she likes ONE specific book and you will have to read it over, and over, and over, and over… again. You will probably memorize this book and will be able to recite it word for word without even looking at it.)
Your child is gaining independence and can get dressed by themselves. (Your child will end up wearing her favorite pajamas to the grocery store, or insist on wearing clothes that don’t match, but you will allow it because you don’t want to deal with the inevitable meltdown that would ensue otherwise.)
Toddlers LOVE to “help out” around the house. (It will now take you twice as long to do laundry and cook a meal because you have a “helper” who really doesn’t help, but actually makes more messes along the way for you to clean up.)
Toddlers are carefree, happy, and inquisitive. (You must watch your child like a hawk because if you don’t, they will be running out into traffic, playing with sharp objects, or trying to stick something into electrical outlets before you know it. You do not get to rest until you fall asleep at night—maybe not even then.)
Your child receives ample toys from everyone for their birthday and Christmas. (Your house has been taken over with kid stuff—it is pretty much unrecognizable to the way your house used to look before you had kids.)
Grocery shopping and dining out are an adventure with a toddler. (You will learn how to complete your grocery shopping within 15 minutes of entering the store because, after that, it all falls apart. Eating out…well, let’s just say that you had better bring something to entertain your little one and hope that the restaurant is not busy.)
Your little one puts his arms around your neck and says, “I wuv you, Mommy”—multiple times a day. (Sometimes you come to find out that he has made a huge mess and is just trying to charm you, but most of the time, he does it just because…)
And you realize that your life is just about perfect with these sweet little people, that God has entrusted you to raise, in it.
Even through the frustrating and challenging days, take the time to slow down and enjoy what you will surely look back on as some of the best days of your life.
#momlife
This is a great post, and so very true. I have twin toddlers right now, so imagine all of this time two. It’s fun, but it’s hard too.
I can’t even imagine having twins! Double the fun 🙂
We are only at 6 months of age with our first child, but I can honestly say I’m excited for the toddler stage! Honestly, I’ve loved every age so far. It’s such a blessing to have him in our life. Thanks for giving me some insight on what’s to come! =)
Enjoy every moment because it truly does just fly by… of course, there are challenges at each stage, but blessings definitely outweigh the challenges!
Reading this reminds me of my kids when they were little!!! All of this is so true, and if you’re lucky when they are 12 and 9- you STILL get cuddle time!! My kids beg for it… 🙂
I agree, Chris. My older kids (9 and 7) still like a bit of snuggle time when they go to bed 🙂
I am not a mother yet but this definitely puts it in prospective. I commend your unconditional love and self reflection so you can know the good things of motherhood. Thanks for sharing.
It is so good that you read this before having kids. Some days are more challenging than others, but ultimately, having the privilege of being a mom is the best blessing you may ever know!
These are all so true! I only have one right now and I’m doing my best to really savor everything before he grows and it becomes time for another one 🙂
I have always said that two is one of my favorite ages. They just learn and grow so much, its amazing. Exhausting but amazing.
I have a 10 month old and each new stage I think… “this is my favorite!” It’s nice to see a positive spin on the toddler years. I feel like they get a bad rap on a lot of blogs.
What a charming post! As a mom, my oldest child’s toddler years where very hard for me because I was “newbie mom” and everything was unknown to me. My second child’s toddler years were crazy because he has always been extremely mischievous and it was hard too. Now, I have a daughter in her toddler years and I am enjoying this stage more than ever before. I just know everything that’s going to happen- the messy house, the dirty laundry, the meltdowns, the neediness. It’s a lot easier because I know what to expect, but it’s also extre special now because I know I will never again have a toddler child in my arms!
Such awesome post! I have a little toddler of my own, and this makes me so happy! They really do love helping, and are a pain in the behind at times, but I wouldn’t trade this time for the world!
It really is a special time. Everything is so new and wondrous. A lovely post 🙂
I am right there with my first kiddo, and the helping cracks me up and drives me batty at the same time. Anytime I’m trying to get something done quickly, she runs in and tells me, “Mom, I’m helping you.” And the questions……so many questions about everything…. 😉 It’s a lot of fun though.
You can’t beat the snuggle time! Thanks for posting. Hello from Share the Wealth Sunday.
I love snuggling my toddler right before she goes to bed. We sit in the chair where I used to nurse her and we we hold each other until she’s ready for bed. Sometimes I’m tempted to fall asleep on the chair right there with her because she’s worn me out by then 😉 Cute post, stopping by from SITS.
These are very true.My son is 2 years old and suddenly I see he is very cheerful and active.Yes,he always comes to me and cuddle with me.Very precious moments…. 🙂