The notorious terrible twos used to be the ultimate challenge for parents everywhere. That was, of course, until the arrival of the threenagers. Oh, threenagers, right? With their constantly shifting opinions, unpredictable emotions, and sometimes downright irrational behavior, they can really push even the most patient parent’s buttons.
But let me tell you — call me crazy — I find threenagers to be absolutely fantastic.
I can already hear your thoughts. You might think I’m just one of those nostalgic parents who looks back at previous stages of childhood through a lens of idealism rather than reality. After all, it’s common for parents to reminisce fondly about the early years, often forgetting the sleepless nights, diaper blowouts, and endless crying that accompanied those sweet moments. A mom may wax poetic about her newborn snuggles while completely overlooking the exhaustion that came with them. And let’s not even get started on those parents of teenagers who lament how trivial potty-training woes seem compared to the anxiety of waiting for a teen to return home after curfew. Then, of course, the empty-nesters remind us all to cherish every moment because it flies by! (Cue the eye roll.)
However, hear me out. I’m not one to romanticize the past when it comes to my children’s upbringing. Personally, I typically enjoy whatever stage we’re in right now. I don’t feel a rush of longing when I see a tiny baby, and I certainly don’t wish my kids were back in diapers, despite how adorable those baby moments were. Since my kids are currently in that sweet spot at ages 7 and 10, it’s easy to appreciate this phase — but honestly, I have a soft spot for 3-year-olds, and it wasn’t too long ago that I had one in my home.
Why Threenagers Are the Best
In my opinion, threenagers often get a bad reputation. Yes, they can be dramatic and prone to extreme tantrums. They might need to learn how to calm down about almost everything. Any parent who has endured a 20-minute debate about what day of the week it is (and we all have) will agree that 3-year-olds can be quite the handful. They are moody and emotional — but hey, so am I! Perhaps that’s why we connect so well.
Now, let me explain why I believe threenagers are simply the best. Three-year-olds are incredibly sweet, chatty, and they laugh often. While tantrums are part of their repertoire, they are little enough to be whisked away from a situation, making it far easier than dealing with the louder arguments of older siblings. They tend to have the charm of toddlers, but with a bit more predictability. Most are potty-trained and have a regular sleeping schedule (I said most, not all). They can hold conversations, share jokes, and express their interests and opinions.
These little bundles of energy are ready to embrace life. Three-year-olds wear tutus and mismatched tights, don space helmets because they’re convinced they’ll reach the stars, and rock tiaras like they own the place—because in their minds, they do. They’ll mix and match every accessory in their dress-up box and wear multiple princess outfits at once, embodying an unapologetic sense of self. For them, there are no “boy things” or “girl things,” only what they enjoy, and everyone else can take a back seat. Threenagers exemplify the ultimate IDGAF attitude.
While they may cry easily and display theatrical emotions, they also laugh, love, and forgive just as readily. They often receive criticism for being unreasonable, but they are actually quite aware of their feelings, navigating the complexities of emotions in this chaotic world. To them, life is not just black and white, but a vibrant spectrum of colors like fuchsia, indigo, and gold. This perspective is refreshing.
Certainly, 3-year-olds can be challenging, but every age comes with its own set of difficulties. Despite their ups and downs, threenagers are bundles of hope and optimism, embodying the full range of human emotions. For them, every day is an opportunity to live life out loud, and that’s what makes them so incredibly special.
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Summary
In conclusion, threenagers might be a handful, but they are also delightful, energetic, and full of wonder. Their unique way of viewing the world and expressing emotions adds richness to their interactions. Embracing the chaos of parenting a threenager can lead to some of the most rewarding experiences.