Raising Toddlers, My Honest Feelings
To be honest I am not loving this phase of my life. And I’m not ashamed to admit that.
While I felt prepared for the newborn stage, I was not prepared for the challenges that the toddler years have brought. This has been one of the most difficult times in my parenthood journey for many reasons. I think my husband would also agree. We have a 3.5-year-old and a soon-to-be 2-year-old so we are in full-blown toddler mode.
The meltdowns, the power struggles, the constant need for my help, and the inability to reason with these tiny little strong-willed humans; it is mentally and physically exhausting.
I am fully aware that my children won’t be little for long and to “enjoy them while they’re young because they grow up so fast.” If you’re going through a challenging time many say “this too shall pass.” While these words of wisdom are meant in such a loving manner, it started to make me wonder if there was something wrong with me because I have not been loving many parts of raising two toddlers.
Many say “I never want my babies to grow up,” but is it ok to feel like I want them to just a little bit so they can become a bit more independent? To grow up just a little bit so my boys can learn how to play cooperatively instead of me playing referee all the time?
One important lesson I’ve learned throughout my motherhood journey is it is ok to not love all of it. That is something I wish someone told me. I love my boys more than anything, but there are many parts of toddler life that I do not love. There are moments I wish time could stand still and want them to stay little forever. But I also count down the minutes until they go to sleep so I can have some relief and be alone, even just to simply enjoy the silence. I learned it’s important to talk about the beautiful moments of motherhood but also share these struggles and validate these feelings.
Motherhood is such a rollercoaster of challenges and emotions. If you share these same feelings, especially about raising toddlers, know you are not alone. I stand in solidarity, mama.
Do you have toddlers? What are the challenges you face right now as a parent?
