My daughter, Lily, is 2 years old, and among my three children, she has proven to be the most spirited toddler. Now, it’s not that my other kids, Noah and Sam, haven’t had their own challenges. Noah was a night owl, making sleep elusive. Getting him to settle down for more than a few hours felt like a monumental victory. Meanwhile, Sam, my middle child, was constantly getting into accidents. He was the first to make an unscheduled trip to the ER, always teetering on the edge of furniture and misjudging stairs.
But Lily? She’s a whole different level of whirlwind.
She’s undeniably adorable, with her blonde hair often styled into cute little pigtails. Her voice carries a melody reminiscent of a cartoon character, and her smile dances between sweet and mischievous. The thing is, she has a remarkable ability to get into trouble without a second thought.
Every Sunday at church, she’s the one sprinting toward the altar while I chase after her, hoping to prevent her from playing the organ like a seasoned musician. At the doctor’s office, she’s the one tugging at artificial plants, or sneaking away to hit keys on a computer, potentially causing chaos for someone’s medical file. Even at the grocery store, no matter how strategically I park the cart, she manages to grab a jar of pasta sauce and send it crashing to the floor.
What makes it particularly challenging is her stealthy nature—she hardly throws tantrums; instead, she swiftly moves on to the next opportunity for mischief. If I take away a pen, she’ll immediately grab a doll stroller, determined to use it as a makeshift weapon against the TV.
This behavior is typical for a 2-year-old, often referred to as the “terrible twos.” Yet, it doesn’t diminish my embarrassment when my toddler causes a ruckus. I feel the weight of that embarrassment 100%.
Lily races around at full speed, and it’s exhausting. Her curiosity shines brightly, and while I cherish her strong will and tenacity, it can be draining. I want her to express herself and not shy away from challenges, but the reality is that I’m the one living with her daily, and it can be overwhelming.
Maybe it’s because I’m older now. I had my first two kids in my mid-20s, and now here I am in my mid-30s. While that’s not ancient, it’s certainly a different ballgame when chasing a toddler. However, the reality of parenting is universal: even in my 60s, I’d still be chasing after her. Parenting means sleepless nights and a constant watch over those little hands and feet to keep them safe from harm.
Raising a toddler feels like an endless series of lessons in safety and manners, spread across various locations, until you feel confident enough to take your eyes off them for a moment without fearing they’ll break something—or themselves.
This is why parents of young kids often wear sweatpants, neglect their hair and makeup, and avoid real shoes unless necessary. We’re exhausted from being on high alert, correcting behaviors repeatedly. The thought of spending too long getting ready is daunting, as in that brief window, a toddler could very well discover how to turn the microwave into a disaster zone. It’s also why some parents may go days without a shower, emerging to answer the door for a delivery looking less than refreshed.
While it may sound daunting to those without children, it’s not all bad. Sure, Lily is a handful, and I sometimes dread leaving her with others. But when I reflect on my children’s early years, I can’t help but smile. I miss their insatiable curiosity, their chubby cheeks, and the way their tiny hands would grasp mine. There’s something about toddlers, no matter how mischievous they may be, that fills your heart with love. They are your little buddies, and you are their world.
Perhaps this instinctive love is a gift – a way to keep us engaged in the wild ride of parenting. Regardless, it makes all the chaos of raising an energetic, spirited toddler worthwhile.
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In summary, parenting a lively toddler can be exhausting, filled with challenges and moments of embarrassment. Yet, the joy and love they bring into our lives make it all worth it, reminding us of the beautiful bond we share.