My little miss is already four years old and I’ve learned so much over the last few years. As with any journey, there are some lessons you can only learn through experience (along with the help of a good parenting book or two). Here are five things I’ve learned while parenting a toddler that may help other moms and dads out there.
Have Patience
No matter how much we want our kids to grow up quickly and learn a new skill or two, toddlers need time to adjust to their new environment and develop at their own pace. It’s important to remember that every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Keeping your cool when your toddler is having a difficult moment will help them learn how to identify their feelings better in the future.
Set Realistic Expectations
Life with a toddler can be exhausting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I constantly remind myself not to be too hard on myself if things don’t go as planned; life with a toddler rarely does! Try setting realistic expectations for yourself and for your child – often just getting through the day is an accomplishment in itself!
Let Them Explore
Toddlers love to explore their surroundings, so give them plenty of opportunities to do so safely. Allowing your little one to get creative with art projects or simple science experiments will help them build confidence as they discover more about themselves and the world around them. This might be a challenge for a parent who struggles with messes or not having a controlled environment (like myself), so take some deep breaths and step back if you can. A mess can always be cleaned up!
Befriend Other Parents
Raising children isn’t always easy, so take advantage of every opportunity you have to connect with other parents who are going through similar experiences as you are – whether it’s in person or online! Having supportive friends who understand what you’re going through can make all the difference when it comes to parenting your toddler.
Cherish Every Moment
Most importantly, remember that these days are fleeting! Enjoy every moment with your child because they’ll be grown up and off on their own adventures before you know it! Take lots of pictures and videos, make memories, laugh, and appreciate all the little moments that make parenting a toddler such an amazing journey.
Being a parent of a toddler is exhausting and rewarding; no matter how challenging life gets, there’s something special about these early years that you won’t want to miss out on! As long as you keep patience at the forefront, and lean into this new experience with realistic expectations for yourself and your child, you’ll be much more open to cherishing each moment along the way. Happy parenting!