Parents of One Perfect Child Under Preschool Age

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When we were deep into potty-training our first child, some friends came to visit. They were new parents with one adorable baby, just as sweet as can be. The dad, our buddy Jake, had recently watched a talk show episode on how to potty train in a weekend. With all the enthusiasm in the world, he said, “Just do A, B, and C, and she’ll be fully potty-trained by Monday!” Oh, the naivety!

As if we hadn’t already tried A, B, and C. We had been through the alphabet of methods, from rewards to bribery, and everything in between, all to get our little girl to use the toilet regularly. Every parent knows how frustrating it can be to receive parenting advice from people who are childless. Frankly, I’m shocked that people still do it. If I ever dished out advice without any experience, feel free to give me a retroactive slap.

Almost just as irritating is the advice from parents who only have one perfect little angel under three years old. I like to call these parents POOPCUPs: Parents Of One Perfect Child Under Preschool-age. With all due respect, they just don’t know any better. Jake was definitely a POOPCUP, and I might have been the president of that club at one point too.

First children often seem almost angelic, at least in their parents’ eyes. This is the charming illusion that convinces many of us to have more kids. They’re cute, they fill us with love, and before they hit three, they make us feel like we’ve nailed this parenting gig. Sure, toddlers can be challenging. They cry for no reason, get into everything, and some, like mine, don’t sleep well. But overall, it’s a whirlwind of giggles, sweet smiles, and cuddly moments.

I know some of you with toddlers might want to throw things at me for saying this, but honestly, parenting kids under three is relatively straightforward. Sure, it’s physically demanding, but the actual act of parenting them can be quite simple.

I remember thinking that when our first child was a toddler, I was at the toughest stage. I figured I’d be much better at handling older kids because I had experience as a teacher. I thought that once I got through the sleepless nights and the never-ending chasing, I’d be ready for whatever emotional challenges came my way. Little did I know, that was just the beginning.

Two-year-olds can talk and assert their will, but it’s still pretty cute. At that age, they’re more like puppies than tyrants; they know how to bark but not how to bite. But once they hit three, that awareness kicks in, and it’s like unleashing a monster. Suddenly, they have the vocabulary and the will to match their desires, creating what I like to call the “Tyrannical Threes.” They’re still adorable, but that’s when the real challenge of parenting begins.

Reflecting back on my POOPCUP days, I can’t help but chuckle. Our first child was a delightful little being. She had her sleep struggles, but overall, she was a dream. She listened well and was usually compliant. I could have easily boasted about my parenting prowess. I mean, there was a prayer meeting where she sang every prayer, sitting quietly and reverently through the whole thing. Oh, how I reveled in my POOPCUP status!

Then came our second child, who is an entirely different story. At two, she named her doll “Horse,” without blinking an eye. She’s been obsessed with animals since toddlerhood, even lamenting that she wished she were born one. Let’s just say, she definitely didn’t sit through prayer meetings like her sister did!

You can only be a POOPCUP for so long before reality hits. Having more than one child teaches you that much of their behavior is innate—no amount of nurturing can change that. I understand POOPCUPs because I used to be one, and I’ve met plenty along the way. You might be one too! And while I know it can be exhausting to parent one little one, it pales in comparison to the chaos of managing more than one.

So, to all you POOPCUPs out there, relish these moments with your perfect child. Your time will come when you realize that parenting is a wild ride, and the real journey has just begun.

Additional Resources

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Summary

Parenting a child under three can lead to a false sense of control, especially for first-time parents. While it may seem manageable, the real challenge often begins when the child becomes aware of their will. The journey of parenting evolves, revealing that emotional challenges can be just as demanding as the physical ones. Enjoy the moments with your perfect little one; the adventure is only just beginning.