The past eight years have been the hardest years of my life.
I feel like I am slowly, but surely, coming out of the toddler fog. My youngest is almost four, and will start Pre-K next year.
If you are a mom with one to 3+ kids under the age of five, I am talking to you.
You are in the Toddler Trenches. I am going to give you my truths so hopefully it will help you navigate this most chaotic time in a mom’s life.
TRUTH #1: Your life is no longer about you.
You are responsible for this little tiny human who tests you constantly by trying to stick fingers in outlets, jumping off the kitchen bar-stools, and pretty much finding anything dangerous in their immediate area.
TRUTH #2: You can and will be amazed by the lack of sleep you CAN actually function on.
TRUTH #3: Your laundry pile is now a never-ending gigantic stash of craziness.
You will NEVER be caught up. EVER.
TRUTH #4: If you want to watch your shows you have to stay awake after they are all asleep.
Fingers crossed NO ONE wakes up in the night. It is a heart crusher when you’re mid-housewives and the door creaks to tiny feet running down the hallway.
TRUTH #5: Your life is now a moving, whining, demanding, and adorable tiny circus.
Going anywhere involves preparation and some serious hard labor and equipment. Car seats, strollers, pack n’ play, toddlers… they all weigh a gazillion pounds but you are constantly carrying one or two of the items mentioned at all times. A trip to the store is the most exhausting thing ever with tiny people.
TRUTH #6: You will have at least one car trip with a screaming child.
It is seriously rough at first. After awhile, you will learn tricks to keep them busy or you will just not travel by car ’til said children are older. It is all a phase…or that’s just what I told myself.
TRUTH #7: You will feel like an alien hanging out with your childless friends.
Breastfeeding, potty training, sleep cycles, birthing, etc. are not really hot topics among those without children, but it has been your constant life so it is hard NOT to talk baby. Just try not to scream from a rooftop bar your first night out in awhile with your friends, “It’s a CHOO-CHOO!”
TRUTH #8: You will absolutely, 100% lose your ever loving mind a time or two
Do not fret friend. It is honestly a learning process for all involved and sometimes we lose our minds… we are human. I liked to hide away and scarf a ding-dong as fast as physically possible before one of those tiny voices screaming “Mom!” found me. Take a breath and remember even the most patient of mothers has a breaking point.
TRUTH #9: You are changed since having your children.
It may seem difficult, even impossible at times, to remember the girl you were before these tiny humans started bossing you around and dictating every aspect of your life. She is still very much a part of you, and over time you will begin to remember what made you, you.
TRUTH #10: The days are long but the years are short
Your days will seem never-ending and no matter how hard you look you can not see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I promise that you will see it in due time.
The messed up part of it is, when you finally do come to emerge from the toddler trenches, you’re sad about it. If that does not sum up motherhood, I don’t know what does.
Do you have any truths for mommies in the trenches?