17 Signs You’re Ready to Wave Goodbye to the Toddler Era

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It seems like just yesterday we were baby-proofing the house and setting up gates to keep our little ones contained. Now, our youngest is already 3, and we’re navigating life with two delightful (and loud) kids. While they’re as charming as ever, the endless demands and chaos are starting to fray our nerves. We’re not exactly frazzled anymore; we’ve just surrendered to the wild ride of parenting toddlers.

Our kids are fed and cared for, but when it comes to our own well-being, let’s just say we’re not hitting the mark. If you’re feeling somewhat done with the toddler stage, see if you can relate to these signs:

  1. Your child’s best hiding spot? Right behind your phone, which you’re glued to. They could be starting a campfire, and you’d still be oblivious.
  2. Underwear accidents? Just a part of the deal now. No biggie.
  3. You’ve officially turned into a toddler yourself. Pajamas are your go-to outfit as soon as you walk in the door. Leftovers or cereal for dinner? Perfectly acceptable. And hey, if it comes in a pouch, you’re counting it as a veggie!
  4. Just brushing against those wipes counts as hand washing in your world.
  5. Screen time? That’s when the peace and quiet happens. Ah, blissful silence.
  6. Potty training? That’ll happen when it happens. The youngest just turned 3; he’s practically halfway to mastering it on his own.
  7. You’ve given up on the fact that they behave like angels for everyone else. Good for them! Just don’t rub it in my face.
  8. You only clean up when the threat of judgment looms. And even then, it’s really just a facade of cleanliness. You’ve considered concocting a story about a surprise guest to keep the house in shape, but it only works if they’re arriving in 45 minutes.
  9. You genuinely don’t care what they watch, as long as it keeps them quiet. Eyes Wide Shut? Why not!
  10. Anyone who claims that toddlers need more than one bath a week can take a hike.
  11. One pair of pants a day. A drop of water on them? Not my problem. This rule applies to adults too!
  12. You’ve told them to put their pee pee away more times today than you can count. No more!
  13. You sometimes fantasize about getting a restraining order for the duration of your bathroom breaks.
  14. Go ahead, touch it. Let’s see what happens.
  15. Throwback Thursday gives you hope. Those parents you envy now, running marathons and looking fabulous? They were once just like you: tired, puffy-eyed, and utterly unglamorous. But look at them now—there’s hope for the future!
  16. You’ve discovered the art of tricking your kids into swearing for a good laugh. “Say ‘mother trucker’!” You can’t help but giggle.
  17. You’re not above bribing your kids with money or screens. It’s a temporary fix, but hey, take advantage of it while you can; the price is only going to go up!

Sure, the toddler years have their perks. Babies are easy—they just lie there. Now, they walk! And sometimes, they even bring you a drink. Ah, the magic of parenthood.

Alright, time to whip up some cheese sticks and applesauce. Hey, kid! Beer me!

Summary:

Navigating the toddler phase can feel overwhelming, and many parents start to feel worn out after years of chaos. From the amusing realities of bribing kids with screen time to the relief of finding moments of silence, this light-hearted list captures the essence of being a parent to toddlers. Embracing the craziness while holding on to hope for the future is key, and remember, you’re not alone in this journey.