As I find myself exasperatedly asking, “How many times have I told you…,” it suddenly dawns on me that the real question is how many times I’ve repeated that phrase. We’ve all heard Einstein’s definition of insanity: doing the same thing repeatedly and anticipating different outcomes. Yet, here I am, day after day, attempting to deter my toddler from the same antics, with no change in results.
Sometimes, parenting a toddler feels like a test of endurance. To get through it, I’ve learned to prioritize my battles and conserve my energy for the ones that truly matter. Here are five conflicts I’ve decided to let slide:
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“Don’t climb up the slide.”
This is a classic playground dilemma.
Me: “Don’t climb the slide.”
Toddler: “Why?”
Me: “Because slides are meant for going down.”
But in all honesty, why not? Playgrounds should be about enjoyment. If my little one wants to climb up the slide, as long as they’re waiting their turn and playing nicely, who am I to stop the fun? Just don’t attempt this during a game of Chutes and Ladders. -
“Don’t color on your hands.”
As a writer, I was overjoyed when my child first picked up a pen. However, that enthusiasm faded quickly when she decided that her hands were a better canvas than paper. After scrubbing away ink for the fourth time before my coffee was even finished, I surrendered. If she wants to express her creativity with doodles on her hands, so be it. We’ll call it artistic exploration. -
“Sit down and eat.”
I adore food and the experience of sitting down to enjoy a meal. So, it baffles me why sitting down to eat a meal is akin to torture for my toddler. I’ve stopped seeking an explanation or a solution. If she wants to take a bite and then run around the house, that’s fine by me. I’ll just be at the kiddie table sneaking some of her dessert. -
“Don’t make a mess.”
What is it about tossing toys on the floor that brings such delight to toddlers? Whenever my daughter digs into her toy chest for just one item, our living room ends up resembling a disaster zone. I’ve tried explaining that she doesn’t need to empty the entire chest to find a single car, but it’s as effective as telling a teenager not to empty their wardrobe to find one outfit. Fine, kiddo. At least the scattered toys will help hide my vacuuming procrastination. -
“That’s not what ______ is for.”
Technically speaking, couches aren’t meant for walking on, bubbles shouldn’t be dumped in the tub, and stuffed animals aren’t intended to be thrown across the room. However, toddlerhood is about exploration and experimentation. If my daughter wants to use her toys in unconventional ways, who am I to intervene? At least she is enjoying herself, and I can avoid repeating for the umpteenth time that mommy’s bras aren’t meant to be hats.
In conclusion, embracing a more relaxed approach has helped me navigate the trials of parenting a toddler. For those exploring pregnancy options, check out this excellent resource from the CDC, which can help guide your journey. And if you’re interested in at-home solutions, consider reading about the artificial insemination kit for more insights.
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