Updated: May 5, 2023
Originally Published: May 5, 2023
The notorious “terrible twos” used to be the pinnacle of parenting challenges, but then threenagers entered the scene. Oh, threenagers, right? With their unpredictable moods, wild emotions, and erratic behavior, they can truly test even the most patient parent. But, hear me out—call me crazy, but I find threenagers to be absolutely amazing.
I know what you might be thinking. You could assume I’m just another seasoned mom looking back at earlier phases with an overly sentimental view. After all, it’s common for parents to reflect on those days with a bit of nostalgia. A mother might fondly recall the snuggles with a newborn while conveniently forgetting the sleepless nights and endless crying. A parent of a teenager might lament how trivial potty-training seemed compared to the stress of waiting for a teen to return home. And then there are the empty-nesters, who lovingly advise us to savor every moment because it all goes by so quickly! (Insert eye roll here.)
But let me clarify: I don’t wear rose-colored glasses when reminiscing about my children’s growth. I usually find that whatever stage we’re in at the moment is my favorite. Right now, with my kids being 7 and 10, it’s easy to appreciate this phase. However, I can’t help but have a soft spot for 3-year-olds, and it wasn’t that long ago that I had one running around my home.
In my opinion, threenagers are unfairly judged. Yes, they can be dramatic and prone to tantrums. They often get worked up over the littlest things—who hasn’t spent 20 minutes debating what day it is? They can be moody and emotional, but then again, can’t we all? Perhaps that’s why we connect so well.
Why Threenagers Are Fantastic
So, why do I believe threenagers are so fantastic? For starters, they are incredibly sweet, chatty, and full of laughter. While tantrums do occur, they’re small enough to be carried away from situations, unlike older kids who can argue for what feels like an eternity. Three-year-olds have all the charm of toddlers but with a touch more predictability. Many are potty-trained and can sleep in their own beds on a regular basis (though not always!). They can hold conversations, tell jokes, and express their own opinions.
Picture this: three-year-olds are bundles of energy, ready to seize each day. They wear tutus and colorful tights while donning astronaut helmets, convinced they’re headed for the stars. They strut around with tiaras as if they own the universe, and they’ll layer on every accessory in their dress-up box without a care in the world. For them, there’s no distinction between “boy things” and “girl things”—only what they enjoy, and that’s a refreshing perspective. Threenagers embody a carefree attitude that is inspiring.
Although they may cry easily and display a flair for drama, they also laugh heartily, love deeply, and forgive quickly. They’re often seen as unreasonable, but they are actually quite in tune with their emotions, navigating the complexities of feelings in a chaotic world. For them, life isn’t just black and white; it’s a vibrant spectrum of colors.
Yes, parenting a three-year-old comes with its challenges, just like any age group does. Yet, amid the ups and downs, threenagers represent a delightful blend of hope, joy, and emotional authenticity. Every day feels like a lively adventure to them, which is precisely what makes threenagers so remarkable.
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Summary
Threenagers often receive a bad reputation due to their unpredictable behavior and emotional fluctuations, but they also bring a unique joy and charm to parenting. Their creativity, enthusiasm, and ability to express feelings make them a delightful age group. Each day is an adventure for threenagers, embodying hope and emotional depth.