My daughter, Lily, is a vibrant 2-year-old, and among my three kids, she has proven to be the most challenging toddler. It’s not that my other children, Max and Ella, didn’t come with their own sets of hurdles. Max was a notoriously restless sleeper; getting him to stay in bed for more than a few hours felt like an impossible feat. Ella, my middle child, was incredibly clumsy, earning her a trip to the ER for her first fall. She was always teetering on the edges of things, and the stairs were her arch-nemesis.
However, Lily is a different challenge entirely.
She’s undeniably cute with her golden locks often styled in playful pigtails. Her voice dances somewhere between a cheerful cartoon character and a sweet songbird. Her smile, while endearing, carries a hint of mischief. Ultimately, though, she has little regard for rules.
Every Sunday, she’s the child darting towards the pulpit at church, with me in hot pursuit, praying to catch her before she slams her tiny hands on the organ keys. At the doctor’s office, she’s the one tugging at the faux plants or sneaking away to type on the computer, likely disrupting important patient files. Even in the grocery store, no matter how far I push the cart from the shelves, she can still reach for a bottle of sauce and send it crashing to the floor.
What complicates things further is that she operates like a stealthy ninja. Instead of throwing tantrums, she simply finds the next mischievous act. If I take a pen away, she’ll swiftly grab a toy stroller and make a beeline for the TV screen.
Now, this isn’t to suggest she’s anything out of the ordinary; she’s 2, after all. The “terrible twos” exist for a reason. But that doesn’t lessen my embarrassment when she causes chaos. It’s tough—100% embarrassing.
She zooms around at lightning speed, and it’s exhausting. Her curiosity is electric, and while I cherish her spirited nature, it also presents a challenge. I want her to be assertive and inquisitive, but as her parent, I’m left feeling drained while trying to manage her antics.
Perhaps age plays a role; I had my first two kids in my mid-20s, and now, in my mid-30s, I find myself lacking the stamina to keep up with my little whirlwind. But the reality is, even if I were in my 60s, I would still have to chase after her. That’s simply part of parenting. Late-night wake-ups, chasing energetic toddlers, and ensuring safety are all aspects of this journey.
Raising a toddler often feels like an endless series of lessons on safety and manners, across countless locations, until you reach a point where you can momentarily take your eyes off them without worrying they’ll break something or hurt themselves.
This exhausting cycle is why many parents opt for sweatpants, skip hairstyling, and forego makeup unless absolutely necessary. The effort of maintaining a presentable appearance feels futile when a toddler could wreak havoc in just a few minutes. It’s also why some parents go days without showers or answer the door for deliveries looking utterly worn out.
While this may sound dreadful to those without kids, it’s not all bad. Yes, it’s tiring, and Lily is a handful. I often hesitate to leave her with others out of sympathy for their plight. But when I reflect on those challenging toddler years with each of my kids, I find myself smiling. I miss their innocent curiosity, their chubby little cheeks, and their tiny hands clutching mine. Toddlers, despite their antics, have a way of capturing our hearts. They see us as their world, and that bond brings a warmth that is irreplaceable.
Maybe this love for our tiny tornadoes is instinctual, a divine mechanism that prevents us from giving up on parenting altogether. Whatever the reason, it works. And having a spirited, energetic, and sometimes overwhelming 2-year-old in my life makes every moment worthwhile.
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Summary:
Parenting a spirited toddler can be exhausting but ultimately rewarding. As parents navigate the challenges of raising a curious and energetic child, they often find themselves both drained and filled with joy. The bond formed during these tumultuous years is irreplaceable, reminding parents of the innocent curiosity and love that toddlers bring to their lives.