As parents, we often assume we are in charge, laying down the law and enforcing rules. Yet, in my household, it’s a different story. My 2-year-old is the true ruler, and he is fully aware of his power.
1. He Determines My Wake-Up Time
His reign of dominance began the moment he transitioned to a toddler bed. Freed from the confines of a crib, he now decides when to rise in the morning. Attempts to coax him back to sleep have proven futile. Instead, we eventually give in and let him join us in bed at absurdly early hours, where he occupies himself with our phones and tries to claim our space. And the thought of a toddler lock? He dismantled that on day one, presenting it to me as if to say, “What’s this supposed to do, Mom?”
2. He Appropriates Food from Others
When it comes to snacks, he operates on the principle that if he wants it, he’ll take it. You’d better enjoy your meal quickly! Even treats stored high in the cabinet are no match for his resourcefulness; he simply drags a chair over to help himself.
3. He Masters Technology
In an effort to maintain control over snack times and screen time, I denied him a snack one day, thinking I could manage the household. I stepped away for just a moment, returning to find him on the couch, munching on Doritos and watching Despicable Me. He confidently declared, “Me put on Mickable Me movie, Mommy. Me have snack too.”
4. Naptime Is a Myth
When it’s supposed to be naptime, he engages in a relentless game of door-banging and running back and forth in his room. The moment I turn off the light, he flicks it back on. My only recourse is to physically hold the door shut, which is no easy feat against his toddler strength.
5. I Often Relent on Nap Time
After exhausting all efforts to enforce nap time, I sometimes concede defeat, which leads to a cranky toddler by evening. He refuses dinner, overwhelmed by fatigue, but will fiercely resist bedtime, leading to a chaotic struggle that can last an hour.
6. He Gets What He Wants Through Persuasion
Whether it’s me, his siblings, or even the cashier at the store, everyone seems to give in to his demands just to avoid a meltdown. “It’s alright. He can have two…or three,” the cashier nervously agrees as he tries to grab as many treats as possible.
Like a true dictator, he shows no fear. He takes off on his Big Wheel as the older kids are learning to ride bikes, attempts daring jumps from furniture, and engages in wrestling matches with anyone willing. His fearlessness results in scrapes and bruises, but he remains undeterred. Rules and boundaries are mere suggestions to him—because he is the boss, and he knows it. The rest of us are left navigating the unpredictability of his whims.
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In summary, parenting a toddler is a constant negotiation of power. While we may strive for control, it’s clear that toddlers often have their own agenda, leaving us to adapt and respond to their whims.
Keyphrase: toddler parenting
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