As I kneel on the tile floor, scrubbing up the water that my 2 and 3-year-olds have gleefully spilled by repeatedly tipping their cups over, the only thought echoing in my mind is, “What on earth is going on with you?” This isn’t the first time today that this thought has crossed my mind, and I’m certain it won’t be the last. Each day, I find myself gritting my teeth, suppressing the urge to let these words escape my lips, which have become a sort of daily mantra. The last thing I want is for my chatty 3-year-old to walk into her preschool class and casually ask her teacher, “What’s going on with you?” I can only imagine that would elevate my name to the top of the prayer list for “Parents in Dire Need of Guidance and Grace.
Honestly, though, what is the deal with toddlers?
As my 2-year-old contorts his body and screams as if I’m torturing him while I secure him in his car seat, I can’t help but think, what is the matter with you?
I step into a room to discover a diaper-less child with a hand smeared in feces, attempting to create a version of a messy masterpiece on my pristine white wall. My eyes widen in disbelief, teetering on the brink of popping out like a character from an old cartoon, and I internally scream, what is wrong with you?
My 3-year-old’s singsong voice calls from the bathroom, where she proudly proclaims she used the potty “all by herself.” Walking in, I find her squatting in a puddle of pee right next to the toilet. I clench my hair—no wonder it’s thinning—and bite my tongue to refrain from shouting “What is wrong with you?!” at the top of my lungs.
I simply cannot comprehend these little beings whose primary mission appears to be wreaking havoc throughout my home like tiny tornadoes, leaving a path of chaos behind. My pants have started to fade at the knees from constantly being on the floor, cleaning up one mess after another—day after day.
Initially, I thought it was just my kids. Perhaps their genes were somehow flawed, or maybe I had consumed too much coffee during my pregnancy, leading to their chaotic behavior. However, after spending time around enough toddlers, it’s evident that they all share these baffling moments that make us wonder, “What’s wrong with you?”
I consider myself a capable woman who usually navigates life’s challenges with ease. I am no stranger to the intricacies of parenting. After all, I have managed to raise two children under the age of two while battling postpartum depression, all while holding on to a shred of my sanity. I’d like to think of myself as a seasoned mother.
Yet, despite my ability to keep two little ones alive and tend to my own needs, the mystery of what’s going on with toddlers remains unsolved. Perhaps it’s one of those life enigmas that will never have a clear answer. Maybe one day, a scientist will unveil the truth I so desperately seek. Until that day arrives, I will continue to ponder, multiple times a day, just what is up with toddlers?
For those interested in expanding their knowledge on family planning and the journey to parenthood, check out Make A Mom’s insight into the couple’s fertility journey. Additionally, for comprehensive information on intrauterine insemination, refer to this Mayo Clinic resource.
Summary
Parenting toddlers can often feel like an overwhelming journey filled with baffling moments that leave parents questioning their sanity. Despite the challenges, many parents share similar experiences, leading to a collective wonder about the unique behaviors of toddlers. Resources like Make A Mom and the Mayo Clinic can provide valuable information for those navigating parenthood.
Keyphrase: toddler behavior confusion
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]