Updated: May 10, 2023
Originally Published: Aug. 3, 2015
My two-year-old, with a playful glint in his eyes, declared, “Mommy, I had a tough day.” I turned to his older sibling, Max, who simply shrugged. At five years old, big brothers often overlook the musings of their younger counterparts. So, I asked, “Did you really just say you had a hard day?” He flashed his cheeky grin and confirmed, “Yeah,” while spinning in circles, making me slightly dizzy just watching him.
I found myself torn between laughing at his adorable attempt at sounding grown-up, worrying that I might be spoiling him, and pondering how life could possibly be tough for him at just two years old. With three kids, I often find myself in deep thought, so I considered all the potential reasons behind his sentiment. Here’s a rundown of what I came up with:
- He was torn from his slumber at 9 AM after a lengthy 14-hour night’s sleep.
- I denied him his beloved potato chips for breakfast.
- I had the audacity to take away his pacifier, insisting it was only for bedtime, and he then wavered on what to eat for breakfast, changing his mind multiple times.
- I dared to dress him, which always makes for a challenging start to his day.
- He was forced to use the yellow cup at lunch instead of the blue one he preferred.
- I wouldn’t allow him to squirt his older brother in the face with a water bottle.
- I restricted his jumping on the picnic table in the backyard.
- I prevented him from wrapping the blind cord around his neck.
- I didn’t let him play with a knife, of all things.
- Essentially, I thwarted his many attempts at perilous adventures.
- I changed his diaper when he was, well, stinky.
- I insisted he wear shoes outside, even though it was a sizzling day.
- I buckled him securely into his car seat.
- I mistakenly placed his blanket the wrong way during nap time.
- I didn’t hold him for an extended cuddle after his two-hour nap, allowing him ample time to wake up happily.
- I made him eat pasta for dinner, which had tiny green flecks, rendering it completely inedible in his eyes.
- I repeatedly told him that hitting his brother with random objects was not acceptable.
- I held his hand while navigating stairs.
- I attempted to brush his teeth properly instead of letting him gnaw on the toothbrush for ten minutes.
- I asked him to be quiet and go to sleep.
Reflecting on the day, it became clear that life was indeed quite challenging for him. I hope to meet his expectations tomorrow, but I have my doubts.
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Summary:
In this light-hearted reflection, Jessica Harper shares the myriad of small but significant challenges that her two-year-old faced on an otherwise ordinary day. From breakfast decisions to diaper changes, each moment adds up to create a world of perceived difficulties for a toddler.