Oh, fellow parents! I’ve come across countless articles discussing the challenges of raising toddlers, and let me tell you, they’re absolutely right: having a little one (or two) at home can feel like living with an overly enthusiastic partygoer who’s had a bit too much to drink—constantly touching everything and shouting their opinions. Parenting toddlers, especially those in the two to four-year-old range, can feel like a special kind of chaos some days.
But here’s a little secret, my friends. One day, you’ll look back at these years with a touch of nostalgia. You might even find yourself longing for those simpler moments.
Because that wild, giggling toddler in the backseat will eventually grow into a teenager. And oh boy, that’s when the real adventure begins.
Now, let’s not forget the positives about teens. They can be truly fascinating to watch as they navigate their own tumultuous journey. You get to relive your own teenage years through them—both the good and the not-so-great moments. You can actually engage in conversations, and they’re capable of things like driving, cooking, and managing their own hygiene (mostly).
Don’t get me wrong, I adore my teenagers. In fact, I have four of them under one roof, and while we share some great times, the past few weeks have been a rollercoaster. There was that infamous night when I spent an hour driving around in circles, trying to pick up my 17-year-old daughter and her friends from an elusive restaurant. When she called, sounding impatient, I snapped back, “I CAN’T FIND THE MOTHER-EFFING RESTAURANT!” only to realize I was on speakerphone. Yep, that was me—“that mom.”
But reminiscing about my kids as toddlers, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia. I remembered my daughter, who always wore stretchy headbands and insisted on wearing her brother’s training pants beneath a sparkly tutu. Those were the days when she’d carry a backpack full of treasures everywhere she went. Ah, the cuteness!
Then, reality hit me—those adorable tantrums, the sleepless nights, and the sibling squabbles. Yet, for a fleeting moment, I found myself wishing for those toddler days again. Here are a few reasons why toddlers can be significantly easier than their teenage counterparts:
1. SLEEPING:
You’ve likely heard of the book “Go the F*ck to Sleep.” Well, get ready for my upcoming teen version, “Get the F*ck Up, You’ll Miss the Bus.” Teens sleep like vampires. No more startling awake to find a pair of wide eyes staring at you in the dark, but waking a teenager? That’s a whole new level of challenge.
2. MISHANDLING TOILETRIES:
When your toddler gets into your makeup or bathroom supplies, it’s usually adorable chaos. You might even post those cute moments on social media. But wait until you find your expensive lotion hidden under your teen’s bed, along with crumpled tissues. Trust me, you won’t want to share those pictures. Pro tip: HIDE THE GOOD STUFF!
3. HOMEWORK:
Toddlers have zero homework. That’s a win! But teens? They come with mountains of assignments. While you might not be asked to help directly, you’ll definitely hear them complain about it. And when they suddenly remember they have a massive project due at midnight, good luck!
4. BODY SPRAY:
Think you’re tired of the smell of dirty diapers and spilled milk? Just wait until your teen starts using too much body spray. You’ll miss the toddler scents in no time.
5. SLEEPING (YES, AGAIN):
With toddlers, you crave sleep but often can’t get it. With teens, you finally have the chance to rest, but then they go out without telling you where they are. The worry kicks in, and your imagination runs wild with worst-case scenarios.
These are just a few ways toddlers can be easier to manage than teens. Of course, one could argue the opposite—teens can talk! They don’t need help with their food, and they don’t throw tantrums in public. But parenting, no matter the age, is challenging.
At the end of the day, whether your children are tiny with soft little feet or towering over you, it’s all hard work—just in different ways. If you look closely, you can often still see glimpses of your toddler in your teen. It might be a familiar way they smile or the way they curl up when they sleep. When you see that flash of your little one in their teenage self, it can take your breath away.
So here’s to all of us and our sometimes difficult children, whether they’re big or small. May they continue to keep us on our toes and fill our hearts with love.
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Summary: Parenting toddlers can be easier than raising teens in many ways, including sleep patterns, the lack of homework, and the innocence of their antics. While both stages of parenting present unique challenges, it’s essential to cherish the moments as children grow. Whether dealing with toddler tantrums or teenage drama, every phase offers valuable lessons and unforgettable memories.