As a mother of two toddlers, I often find myself consumed by worries that my children might never reach adulthood. Among my many concerns is the fear that I’m somehow failing them, but that’s a topic for another day.
With the influence of social media, celebrities, and fellow parents at the playground, I frequently feel inadequate, fearing my kids aren’t measuring up. They should be doing more, saying more, eating more—or less. But I’ve made a promise to myself: I’m letting go of these worries. And I encourage all parents of little ones to do the same. One day, your child will mature into a perfectly normal, functioning member of society. It’s inevitable, so take a deep breath and, yes, let it go. Here are a few things we can all stop fretting about:
- Potty Training Will Happen: Your child will eventually master the art of using the toilet. I’m currently navigating the world of potty training with my son, who seems to sit on the potty about 112 times a day without any luck. He often ends up peeing on toys, and I rush him to the little potty, only to hear him say, “All done!” with nothing in the bowl. It’s frustrating, but I remind myself that aside from rare incidents, adults don’t poop their pants. He’ll get there, and I’ll be free of diapers forever.
- Pacifiers Are Temporary: How many high school seniors do you know who still suck on a pacifier during their SATs? Probably none, unless it’s part of a dare! I’m not worried about my 2.5-year-old still using her binky because I know she’ll outgrow it eventually.
- Taste Preferences Will Expand: Kids are notorious for picky eating, but don’t panic. As they grow, their tastes will change, and they’ll start to enjoy a wider variety of foods. Right now, my kids might only want chicken nuggets, but one day soon they’ll be asking for more diverse meals.
- Consistent Sleep Will Come: One of the most common questions from new parents is, “When will my baby sleep through the night?” As a mom of two, I can assure you that this moment will arrive. Your little ones will eventually go to bed without fuss and you’ll actually have to wake them up in the morning.
- Bed Sharing Will End: I currently sleep on a sliver of my queen-sized bed because my kids have taken over. Just last night, I woke up to my son literally sleeping on my head! But this phase won’t last forever; one day they won’t want to snuggle as close.
- Independent Play Is Coming: It might seem impossible now, but kids eventually learn to entertain themselves. They’ll color, create stories, and play with toys without needing you right beside them. It feels overwhelming now, but things will change.
- Clothes Will Stay On: Unless nudity becomes a personal choice for them, your child will eventually understand that clothes belong on when they’re in public. Some kids might even develop a fondness for fashion!
- Bath Time Will Improve: While it’s uncertain if your child will ever enjoy bathing, every group needs a “stinky kid,” right?
Worrying takes up valuable mental space that could be better spent cherishing this chaotic yet beautiful stage of parenthood. Don’t stress too much; your children will grow up, sleep through the night, ditch the pacifier, and yes, they might even become the infamous smelly kid. But through it all, they will love you, and that’s what truly counts.
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In summary, it’s important to recognize that the challenges we face as parents today are temporary. The nagging worries about our children’s development will fade as they grow into independent individuals. Embrace the chaos and remember that love is what matters most.