Once upon a time, a stomach virus swept through our home like a relentless storm, knocking everyone down one by one. My two oldest, aged 8 and under, were just starting to recover when, in the middle of the night (naturally), my 3-year-old, Jamie, darted into the bathroom. Lacking the ability to recognize the telltale signs of an impending vomit episode, he left a trail of chaos from his bedroom to the bathroom.
The commotion woke the baby, who immediately began to wail. With my partner working the night shift, I was on my own. I grabbed the baby and rushed to help Jamie, only to find him in the midst of a dual disaster: throwing up and, yes, pooping—simultaneously. It was like something out of a horror movie, and I stood there, stunned, clutching the screaming infant while Jamie’s mess spread across the floor.
Just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, I felt a warm wave of vomit cascade down my back. The baby was sick too.
Let’s be real—kids are incredibly needy when they’re young, even without a stomach bug wreaking havoc. They demand your attention at all hours, whether you’re trying to sleep, eat, bathe, or even use the restroom. There’s always someone needing a meal, a diaper change, or a comforting hug. You end up so busy meeting everyone else’s needs that you lose sight of your own. You may not even remember what your personal needs are anymore.
Raising babies and small children can feel like an exhausting, uphill battle, weighed down by the pressure to get it right. Some days, the sheer sense of duty can feel overwhelming. You yearn for the day when your little ones can handle things on their own. People keep saying that day will come sooner than you think, but when you’re in the thick of it, it’s hard to envision anything beyond the daily grind, much like the childhood dream of becoming a celebrity—exciting to imagine yet seemingly unattainable.
But then, one day, your toddler surprises you. They use the potty without you prompting them, pull up their pants, and suddenly, their little fingers are coordinated enough to manage it all. They start getting their own snacks, tossing wrappers in the trash, and even putting dishes in the sink. It’s the first step toward independence, and you start to notice that those tiny limbs are growing longer, their words clearer, and their vocabulary expanding.
You take a moment to reflect, like a roller coaster reaching its peak, realizing that your “baby” is beginning to need you less. Soon, the ride takes a thrilling dive into a whirlwind of new skills and newfound independence. They start doing things for themselves—like wiping after using the bathroom—and it feels amazing.
My youngest just turned 4 and can dress himself. Sure, he might choose a backward striped shirt with plaid shorts and mismatched shoes, but he did it all on his own. He’s even learning to brush his teeth without help and can pour his own cereal, though he still needs a hand with the milk. Don’t get me wrong; older kids come with their own set of challenges, but they’re not the constantly demanding type, and the sense of freedom is exhilarating. I can occasionally enjoy an uninterrupted shower now.
Gradually, my roller coaster is coming to a stop, and I can finally breathe again. Trust me, you’ll get there too.
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In summary, while parenting young children can feel overwhelming, it does get easier. The days may seem long, but the years are short, and soon enough, you will find your little ones becoming more independent, bringing a sense of relief and joy to your parenting journey.