Just when you think you might have the baby days sussed, toddlerdom greets you out of the blue – usually in the form of a tantrum that happens right in the middle of your weekly grocery shop.
That bouncing baby you were cradling only yesterday has, it seems, blossomed overnight into a beautiful little actual person. One with words (almost) and opinions (lots) and tantrums (did I mention the tantrums already?).
They don’t want to sit in the buggy; they don’t want to be carried; they don’t want to walk; you won’t let them eat the cat’s food - whatever their grievance, everyone who has ever had a toddler has been there.
Wild, crazy, fun, amazing, frustrating and fantastically exasperating - there’s absolutely no mistaking toddlerdom when it does hit. It’s a time filled with SO MANY intense moments, such as…
1. The wardrobe malfunction
The days when you dress them in YOUR favourite outfits are numbered, if they’re not over already. They may be small but toddlers have BIG personalities, which usually require a lot of flamboyant and mis-matched clothes. You can’t help but admire their confident and care-free attitude.
2. The (not-so) sharp exit
You thought getting out the door with a baby was tricky, then your baby turned into a toddler who not only makes it impossible to get ready, but also doesn’t want to leave the house. Nor do they want to stay in. Getting out of the house with a toddler is like the workout you bothered showering for but didn’t plan.
3. When cabin fever hits
You struggle to get out the door with them, but you don't want to stay inside with them. Not for too long anyway (unless they’re sleeping, of course). Being stuck indoors with a toddler will do nothing for your social skills; not to mention your home, which will, after a short time look like it has been hit by a tornado. Sticky handprints on the windows, every food type squashed into your sofa, reruns of Peppa Pig on the TV - it’s worth the drama trying to get out just to avoid this bedlam.
4. The supermarket meltdown
We’ve all been there. Your toddler is thrashing out on the floor of the tinned fish aisle (because you wouldn’t let them push over a display of stacked toilet rolls), while you try to ignore the glares from a passerby. All you can do is make sure they don’t injure themselves and wait for it to pass. Unless you decide to cut your losses, abandon ship and head for home - with your toddler in tow, obviously.
5. Toilet time
If you haven’t introduced the potty, there’s a good chance you need two people (at least) for nappy changes by now. If you’re in the midst of toilet training, you’ll understand why people put it off for so long. The biggest motive to start is probably the thought of never having to endure those nappy change wrestles again.
6. Mealtime
Yoghurts and bananas are on the menu for toddlerdom as this is usually the time when your little one decides they are too fussy to eat anything but. Spending time and effort preparing colourful, exotic and nutritious food only for it to be rejected (or worse, thrown on the floor) can be soul destroying, but it’s usually just a phase. Plus, think of all the leftovers for you (yes, even the stuff on the floor).
7. Bathtime
What once used to be the key part of their bedtime routine, as well as your go-to witching hour remedy, is now a time of day you approach with extreme caution – or avoid entirely (until next week).
8. Hugging
The tiny fingers and tiny toes have been replaced by sticky hands and chubby arms, which give the BEST, most genuine, loving and heartwarming hugs. In fact, nobody cuddles better than a toddler. A cuddle session with your little one is guaranteed to make the world a better place.
9. Bedtime
They want a story but not from THAT book, and not that book either. Some nights, they’ll fall into bed without protest, but others take a bit more persuasion and patience. However long it takes and whatever way it goes, once they hit the sack, you can’t resist but watch their angelic little chubby face as they sleep peacefully.
10. Being apart
There may be tantrums and tears at times, but that’s all the more reason why you feel like you’re missing a limb when away from them. Let’s face it, for all their craziness, toddlers are AWESOME. They are incredible, inspiring, strong, courageous, beautiful, fascinating and hilarious, cute little beings, who at times make WAY better company than most adults.
Advertorial feature brought to you by SMA® Baby Club.
The SMA® Baby Club promises to be with parents for every stumble, and step, as they discover what the journey holds from bump to birth. The SMA Careline® is available 24/7 for mums (and dads) to get any help or support they need.
ZRI443/06/17
