I once thought I had the parenting game figured out with my easy-going babies—until they reached the 18-month mark. Suddenly, they developed their own opinions, and more often than not, those opinions clashed with mine. Don’t you sometimes wish toddlers would take our feelings into account, maybe even show a little cooperation? I sure do! Here are 17 things that toddlers never articulate (but we desperately hope they would).
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Absolutely, I’ll sleep in today. I know I was up late last night due to the bedtime meltdown (my bad!), and an extra hour of sleep sounds perfect for both of us.
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Look at me! I’ve put on my own shoes and I’m patiently waiting by the door. I promise I won’t dart away from you, laughing crazily, when we’re already running late!
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Any shirt will do! Elmo’s in the wash? No worries at all. This striped one from Grandma is quite lovely, and I’ll wear it proudly when we visit her. I won’t grimace at picture time.
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Flexibility is key! I’m completely fine with however you choose to slice that sandwich.
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I’ll wait patiently for my turn with that shovel and then gently take it from Potential Friend. I will not, under any circumstances, whack him with a sand pail.
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Mom, you’ve had a tough day. Whatever meal you prepare will be delightful because, let’s be honest, pasta every night can get a bit dull!
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I’ll happily enjoy a bath. I’m totally cool with getting out afterward and putting on any clean diaper—no need to search for my Elmo diaper. It’s all good.
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Public discussions about my anatomy? Not necessary!
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Transitions? I thrive on them! Nothing excites me more than leaving the playground.
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Waiting my turn is a fun challenge, and I promise not to poke that other kid in the eye.
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Hair-washing? I absolutely adore it! I can tilt my head back and shut my eyes like a pro. Water in my ears? It’s like a soothing massage!
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While we’re at it, please trim my nails. I can’t stand the feeling of dirt under long nails that make me look like a cult member.
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Grooming is really starting to grow on me. Go ahead, cut my hair! I love sitting in the barber chair and the buzzing of the clippers is music to my ears.
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Your friend’s kid? He’s not a snotty-nosed troublemaker. In fact, he’s the life of the party! We’re going to take adorable pictures together, and I won’t scratch his eyes out, ruining your friendship in no time.
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I love sitting in high chairs at restaurants! I hope our food takes ages to arrive. I won’t start that whole “losing my composure” routine by twisting around and pulling at the straps. I’m not going to make you anxiously glance towards the kitchen or gulp down your $24 meal in a flash while carrying my wailing self out the door. Nope! High chairs are my jam! Hand me a sugar packet to keep me entertained for hours.
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Oh, cars energize me! I know you want to get home from our errands and put me down for a nap. I promise I won’t doze off for four minutes on the way home only to be wide awake but upset for the rest of the day.
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I see some avocado on my hands, which is expected given that I’m munching on it right now. You know what? Never mind. I won’t bother you about it. You enjoy your meal—you deserve it!
Okay, maybe toddlers aren’t expressing these thoughts yet, but surely they’ll outgrow this challenging phase soon. Then they’ll be saying, “Mom, how can I help?” Right? Right? Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to boil some pasta.
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Summary: Toddlers are known for their unpredictable behavior and often don’t express the thoughts we wish they would. From being flexible about clothing choices to patiently waiting their turn, it can be a challenge for parents. However, the hope is that as they grow, they will become more considerate and willing to help.
Keyphrase: toddler behavior
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