As I navigate through the chaos of the so-called “terrible twos,” I find myself searching for reasons why my little one’s tantrums, mood swings, and assertiveness are actually preferable to the days of endless tummy time and mastering the pincer grasp. After all, during moments of sheer toddler madness—like when a staring contest ends with a head-butt followed by being pulled down and spit on—I need all the reminders of sleepless nights and teething woes I can get. Surprisingly, I’ve discovered several reasons that make being tackled by a pint-sized whirlwind more appealing than swaddling a peaceful newborn:
- Resilience in Falls: Toddlers are less fragile than infants. Just recently, Oliver tumbled down some cement steps, bled from his nose, and cried—not because of the fall, but because the cookie he was holding broke in half. Phew!
- Better Communication: While my little one might not always heed my instructions, he can articulate his desires and even answer questions like, “Are you hungry?” It’s refreshing to have a conversation instead of constantly guessing.
- Increased Sleep for Everyone: While bedtime can spark meltdowns, once all 10,000 bedtime stories are told, both toddler and parent can enjoy a solid night’s sleep. Take that, adorable swaddled infants!
- Less Hovering: With a toddler, I have the option to sit back and watch him play in the park from a distance. While he might not always allow it, I appreciate having the freedom to take a breather.
- Toddler Contributions: After I help Oliver with his bathroom needs, he’s eager to toss his diaper in the trash, clear his plates, and even pick up his toys (when I ask nicely). Babies, on the other hand, require all the effort!
- Reduced Worry: Infants are susceptible to all sorts of illnesses, which can be nerve-racking for parents. Toddlers get sick and bounce back, which is somewhat desensitizing and less stressful.
- Unfolding Personalities: There’s a vibrant individual inside that small toddler body. Oliver pretends to be asleep for backrubs, crawls like a dog for tickles, dances to any beat, and exclaims, “Good job, Mommy!” when I do something he likes. Swoon-worthy moments like these make it all worthwhile.
So yes, I may be sweating bullets and facing judgment as I speed-walk home with my screaming, 36-pound little devil under my arm, and I might justify a second glass of wine after dinner because “I’ve earned it.” But at least I’m getting a full night’s sleep, some assistance, engaging conversations, and occasional praise. It could be worse—imagine if I had a baby!
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In summary, while navigating the challenges of toddlerhood can be daunting, the benefits of communication, resilience, and personality development far outweigh the difficulties. Each stage of parenting has its trials, but there’s much to appreciate in the wild world of the terrible twos.