Once dreaded, the “terrible twos” have been somewhat overshadowed by the arrival of the spirited threenagers. Yes, threenagers — those little bundles of energy with ever-fluctuating opinions and emotional rollercoasters that can challenge even the most patient parent. But here’s the twist — I genuinely believe threenagers are absolutely incredible.
I can already hear the skeptical murmurs. You might think I’m just another nostalgic mom, reminiscing about those early years through rose-colored glasses. It’s easy to do; parents often look back at past stages in their children’s lives with fondness that overlooks the chaos. The mom who once savored the cuddles of a newborn often forgets the sleepless nights and incessant crying. And when that same mom has a teenager, the struggles of potty-training seem minuscule compared to the anxiety of waiting for a teen to return home after curfew. And then there’s the empty-nester, who urges everyone to cherish every moment as it flies by! (Cue an eye roll).
However, allow me to clarify: I don’t typically idealize past phases of my kids’ lives. I find beauty in each stage, especially the one we’re currently navigating. With my children now at ages 7 and 10, it’s easy to appreciate this present moment. Yet, I have a soft spot for threenagers, and it feels like just yesterday that one was bouncing around my house.
In my opinion, threenagers get an undeservedly bad reputation. Yes, they can be emotionally volatile and prone to irrational outbursts. Any parent who has engaged in a 20-minute debate about the day of the week knows precisely how challenging this can be. But let’s be honest — I can be a bit moody myself; perhaps that’s why we resonate so well together.
Three-year-olds are delightful, engaging, and full of laughter. While tantrums are part of the package, they can be easily whisked away from a situation. Picture this: it’s far simpler to escort a flailing 3-year-old out of a restaurant than to mediate a noisy disagreement between a 6- and 10-year-old over tablet time.
At this age, children often exhibit the sweetness of toddlers coupled with a touch more predictability. Many are potty trained and can settle into their own beds (I emphasize “many,” not “all”). They can hold conversations, tell jokes, and express their unique interests and opinions.
Threenagers are vibrant little beings who seize life with enthusiasm. They wear tutus and rainbow tights, don astronaut helmets as if launching into space, and rock tiaras with the confidence of royalty. To them, there are no gender norms; there are only things they enjoy, and they embrace them wholeheartedly. This carefree attitude is a refreshing reminder of what it means to live authentically.
Though they may cry or act dramatically, three-year-olds also love fiercely and forgive quickly. They might seem unreasonable, but they have a profound understanding of their feelings and navigate the complex landscape of emotions with surprising depth. For them, the world is not just black and white but filled with every conceivable hue — fuchsia, indigo, and gold included.
Yes, three-year-olds can be a handful, but every age comes with its own challenges. Despite their ups and downs, threenagers embody hope, optimism, and a full spectrum of human emotion. They approach each day with exuberance, which is precisely what makes this age so remarkable.
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In summary, threenagers, though challenging, are a whirlwind of joy and exuberance. They remind us to embrace life fully and savor every vibrant moment.