The 10 Biggest Worries for Moms of Three-Year-Olds

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For a bit after my son hit that magical number four, I found myself glancing at him nervously whenever things didn’t go his way. I was bracing myself for an epic meltdown, just like the ones we endured during his tumultuous third year. We even jokingly called it Post-Traumatic-Three-Year-Old Syndrome.

Oh no! The dog just gobbled up his cheese stick! Quick, hide, or we’re in for a storm!

Now that I’m navigating the ups and downs with my second three-year-old, I’m reminded of those typical everyday challenges that send a shiver down my spine. Here’s a rundown of my top worries:

1. Sudden Changes in Plans: Just the other day, my daughter was ready for gymnastics, all smiles in her outfit. But as I put the car in reverse, I noticed something was off—a flat tire! The dread I felt wasn’t about fixing the tire; it was about breaking the news to her that gymnastics was off. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go well.
2. Unfamiliar Foods: This is particularly tricky when we’re at someone else’s home. While I hope for polite behavior, if my three-year-old sees a food she doesn’t recognize, brace yourself for a dramatic reaction that’ll leave me red-faced.
3. Waking Her Up from Naps: Every week, I have to wake my daughter before she’s ready, and it’s a minefield. I tiptoe in with snacks, trying to radiate joy, but I’m convinced that no matter what I do in those 15 minutes, it’s all going to be wrong.
4. Sticking to Your Guns: Sometimes you have to be firm, but it’s terrifying. If I say something like, “If you don’t put your pajamas on RIGHT NOW, no bedtime story!” my little one will test that boundary, and things can escalate quickly.
5. Over-the-Top Cheerfulness: My daughter seems to swing between extreme happiness and crabbiness. If she leans too far into the happy zone, I know chaos is just around the corner.
6. Spilling on Favorite Clothes: There’s no worse feeling than that split-second pause when milk splashes on her beloved “Rainbow Shirt.” The moment before she realizes she’ll have to wear something else is nerve-wracking!
7. Helping When Help Isn’t Wanted: I’ve had my share of battles with soap dispensers that are just too tricky for her tiny hands. The one at soccer practice has led to more than one meltdown.
8. Laughing at Serious Moments: I try to keep a straight face when my daughter is super serious about “telling on daddy” for not singing to her, but it can be tough not to chuckle.
9. Skipping Meals: Nope. Just no. I’ve learned my lesson there. Hungry kids are a whole new level of chaos.
10. Delivering Disappointing News: Ever tried telling a three-year-old they can’t go to a birthday party they’ve been looking forward to? It’s a recipe for tears and tantrums. Good luck with that!

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Summary

Moms of three-year-olds face unique challenges that can be both amusing and terrifying. From unexpected changes in plans to the sheer chaos of unfamiliar foods, daily life is a rollercoaster. Whether it’s the drama of waking a sleepy child or the anxiety of disappointing news, these moments are part of the wild journey of parenting.