November 21, 2023
As a parent of two lively children, the chaotic energy in our household has reached new heights, especially with our youngest recently turning three. While our kids are delightful, they can be quite overwhelming, and the weariness that comes from navigating toddler life for nearly four years is starting to show. We’re not just frazzled; we’ve genuinely reached our limit with this phase. Although our children are well-fed and cared for, we can’t say the same for ourselves. Here are some unmistakable signs that you may also be feeling done with the toddler experience. Reflect on this list and see how many resonate with you.
- Your child’s favorite hiding spot is directly behind your phone, which you are engrossed in. Even if they’re causing chaos, you might not even notice.
- Underwear stains have graduated from being a concern to merely a “cost of doing business.”
- You’ve surrendered your self-control and have become a toddler yourself. The moment you walk in the door, it’s pajama time. Cereal or leftover chicken nuggets are considered acceptable meals. Go-Gurts are a staple, and a significant portion of your vegetable intake comes from pouches. It’s a classic case of Stockholm syndrome—you’ve become just like them.
- Casual contact with wipes now qualifies as hand washing.
- Screen time is a cherished reprieve. Silence is golden.
- Potty training? That’ll happen when it does. After all, your youngest just hit the big 3; he’s practically on the path to self-toilet training!
- You’ve reached a point where it doesn’t bother you that your kids behave better for other adults. That’s great that they ate their veggies with you—just don’t rub it in.
- Cleaning up only happens if there’s a genuine threat of public embarrassment. Even then, it’s more about creating an illusion of cleanliness. You find yourself wishing you could convince yourself that guests are coming over every Sunday to maintain some order. Spoiler alert: it needs to be a real threat arriving in less than an hour.
- You’ve stopped caring about their viewing choices. If they’re quiet, they can watch anything—even “Eyes Wide Shut.”
- Anyone who suggests that toddlers need more than one bath per week can take a hike.
- Each child gets one pair of pants per day, even if they get a tiny drop of water on them. Wear them or go pants-less; it’s a good policy for adults too.
- You’ve told them to put their private parts away more times than you can count today. Enough is enough.
- You find yourself contemplating whether there’s a legitimate way to get a restraining order for the duration of a bathroom trip.
- “Go ahead, touch it. Let’s see what happens.”
- Throwback Thursday gives you hope. You see those parents you envied, running marathons and smiling with joy, were once in the same boat: sleep-deprived and looking a bit worse for wear when their kids were toddlers. Look at them now, thriving since their kids can wipe themselves!
- You revel in the various ways to trick them into swearing for your amusement, like prompting them to say “mother trucker.” It’s hilarious.
- You’re not above using money or screens to encourage compliance. Embrace it while you can; the rates will only increase in the future.
The toddler years do have their perks—babies are easy because they just lie there, but now your little ones can walk and sometimes even fetch you a drink. Ah, the wonders of parenthood.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to prepare yet another round of cheese sticks and applesauce.
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Summary
The challenges of parenting toddlers can be overwhelming, leading many parents to feel exhausted and at their wit’s end. From the chaos of daily life to the acceptance of certain behaviors, this article highlights 17 signs that indicate you might be feeling done with the toddler phase. Embrace the chaos while also acknowledging the fleeting joys of parenting during these formative years.
Keyphrase: toddler exhaustion
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