It does not get worse. This is not the easy bit. All of us parents of older kids would give their left leg to avoid going back to that. Don't listen to anyone that tries to tell you differently. The future is good! It does get better!
From a Mum of young adults, currently babysitting a one and a two year old.
12 Replies
I agree! My oldest is a teenager and it's much easier now compared to the toddler years
I don’t agree. I think it’s different for everyone. Everyone has different circumstances.
Agree, I work with children and 3 and under is the age I like most, it was also my favourite age with my own.
3 to school age... not my jam. My own children around 10yo was their "toddler" I guess.
Agreeeeeeee...I have a teen :)
Yep when they sleep through, and can be quiet and think of others even for a short time, can do chores, get themselves ready, dressed, clean, buckled in, shoes on, zips done up, oh doing all that constantly is just insane.
I had 3 under 5.. the best years of my life! loved every minute of it.
I had 4 under 5, I didn't think it was hard at the time but now I'm babysitting I realise it wasn't that easy. I think we forget quite a bit as kids get older.
Toddlers are absolutely feral 🤣 It's the reason I stopped at 2 because those toddler years nearly killed me
Absolutely
I had 3 kids under 3, who are now all teenagers.
The toddler years were physically demanding, I was sleep deprived and I wouldn't necessarily go back to that if I had a choice to. However, I completely underestimated how challenging raising teens is, i was also unprepared for the emotional toll it takes on you.
In many ways, the toddler years were more simple.
I think it's important to be realistic. None of us really know what the future holds, that's why we need to live for now.
I can remember well meaning people telling me things get better, I really lent into that as a coping mechanism. I wish instead of doing that I'd actually asked for some help and built myself a proper support system.
I think the main thing is, if you are sleep deprived and lack support and suffering in those early years, they really drag on. A day is hard when you’re tired. A week is difficult sleep deprived. Saying hold on for years away I know is crushing. Absolutely agree with above to instead - get your rest, get your support, get your things you look forward to.
But back to my main point, in those first few years it just goes on. It changes but just goes on. Newborn. Baby. Teething. Terrible twos. Threenager. Four, five.
And if they’re new they start to think it never gets any easier. But as this post says, it definitely does.
The parenting challenges remain, they change, things still happen and it’s stressful, but it’s Balanced with sleep, having your own self, your body to your self, time for a shower, job, life, freedom. That’s a different ball game.
Mum of 4 🙋🏻♀️
Kids are 21 & 18.
And… 3 & 2.
Big kids - Big problems.
Little kids - Little problems.
They’re all hard! 🤣