So I Became a Toddler Mom... and No One Warned Me...

You know how they say "nothing can truly prepare you for parenthood"? Yeah. That line should come with a footnote: especially when your baby turns into a toddler.

Becoming a toddler mom for the first time is like being handed a feral raccoon in a Paw Patrol hoodie and told, "Good luck!"

Now before you read, please, please know that I have absolutely no idea what I am doing half the time. But I’m still going to share my experiences with you, because maybe we can figure this out together—one sticky step at a time.

Case in point: My son showed up to daycare today with ONE shoe on. We didn’t even notice until the daycare sent us a picture pointing it out. Again, I am not the perfect parent, nor will I ever be. But at least my child is happy, alive, and somewhat healthy (keep reading for the plague).

But anyway. Let’s talk about it. All of it. The good, the bad, the beautiful chaos.

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The Daycare Diaries (a.k.a. Plague Central)

Listen, I love daycare. I love the teachers, the routine, the snacks I don’t have to prepare. But no one — I repeat, no one — warned me that daycare is basically a Petri dish with snack time.

My child has been sick more times than I can count. I’ve had to miss work so often I should probably just set up a cot in the nurse’s office. I’ve Googled more symptoms than a med student. If you’re in the thick of this too, know that you’re not alone. Your kid is building an immune system and you’re building character (and stress wrinkles).

Sleep Training... Or Something Like It

Ah, sleep. That elusive mythical creature. We tried sleep training. Some nights were magical. Other nights I considered moving out. If you're still cosleeping, or if your toddler thinks 3am is party time: solidarity.

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Do what works. Do what lets you survive. And for the love of all things caffeinated, nap when you can.

The Food Fight

Introducing new foods is like being a contestant on a cooking show judged by an emotionally unstable dictator. One day it’s blueberries or bust. The next day, they act like blueberries are a personal insult.

Just keep trying. Just keep offering. And maybe keep some chicken nuggets in the freezer. For both of you.

Icky Sticky Icky Sticky Bubble Gum

Let me be VERY clear: I am a licensed, experienced educator. And yet, Ms. Rachel has taught my child more than I have. The woman deserves an Emmy, a Nobel Peace Prize, and probably a vacation in the Maldives.

I know people love to throw shade at screen time. But if Ms. Rachel gives me 20 quiet minutes to breathe, pee alone, or cry in my pantry... then screen time it is. No guilt.

The Guilt Trip (First Class)

Mom guilt is a beast. I love my child with my whole heart. But sometimes? Sometimes I want to lock myself in a closet and survive on laundry lint for 48 hours.

I feel bad even saying that. But it’s the truth. And I’m betting you’ve felt it too. You are allowed to need time away. You are allowed to recharge. Loving your kid and needing a break are not mutually exclusive.

The Good Stuff

Despite the germs, the tantrums, the sleepless nights, and the endless piles of mystery crumbs... this is magic.

Watching your toddler learn new words, laugh at the same joke 57 times, or give you a sticky, unsolicited hug? That’s the good stuff. That’s what we cling to. That’s what makes the wild worth it.

So to all the toddler moms out there: you’re not alone. You’re not crazy. You’re doing better than you think. And if no one has told you lately?

You’re a rockstar. A sleep-deprived, slightly-sticky, emotionally exhausted rockstar.

And I see you. 💖

Just to prove that I believe in you, here is a free Cheat Sheet for you, Mama!

Freebie

I’m no professional, nor am I even close to being the perfect parent. But if you'd like to read more detailed descriptions of my experience as a toddler mom—and how I tackled (and occasionally fumbled) everything I talked about above—please check out my eBook. Inside, I share the things that worked, the things that didn’t, and the hope that maybe you can avoid some of the messy mistakes I made along the way.

Chaos

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