What IS so Great about Having a Toddler in Your Life??

There are so many emotions and images that come into one’s mind when thinking about a toddler. The typical image is of a young person having a temper tantrum in a store or restaurant because he or she didn’t get whatever it was that he/she wanted. However, I think it is important to look at the positives because the world is so full of negativity.

Love

• Your toddler is full of love for you. He/she will always be running up to you and giving you hugs & kisses.
• That little person will tell you that he/she loves you multiple times per day
• You will receive so many smiles each day
• Your toddler will tell you that he/she misses you “SO MUCH!” any time you have to be away from him/her for any period of time.

Keeps you young

• Your toddler will ask you to “play with him/her” constantly. This helps to keep your imagination alive
• He/she will want to dance & sing with you
• You will always be laughing at all the silly things your toddler says and does
• You may find yourself enjoying the cartoons that your toddler likes to watch more than your realize

Helps you stay active

• He/she will want you to play outside with them or at the park
• You will most likely be chasing your toddler around all the time
• Going for walks, bike rides (you may have to dust off that bike in the garage), skipping, jumping and other activities happen on a daily basis with toddlers
• Your toddler may climb all over you which means it is important to stay healthy

Encourages you to be creative

• Doing crafts with your toddler is a fun activity for him/her and it also can be beneficial for you as well
• Finding new activities to keep your toddler busy can take some serious creativity
• Using creative ways to refocus your toddler when he/she is upset also involves creativity
• If you have other children, you may need to find ways to help them to play together or get along in tense situations

Provides you with a whole new perspective about eating

• You learn how to help your toddler eat healthy meals and maybe that helps you to motivate yourself to do the same thing
• Food becomes a huge topic of conversation and something you can share opinions about together
• Sometimes it can be fun to go out for a “treat” with your little one

You find enjoyment in very simple things

• Tickle fights with your toddler
• Buying cute clothing for him/her and fixing your child’s hair
• Reading books/stories with him/her
• Cooking/baking together
• Watching your toddler play and have fun
• Sharing new experiences with him/hers & seeing those things through your toddler’s eyes
• Rejoicing in your toddler’s successes and accomplishments (e.g. toilet training, learning to do puzzles & reading, etc…)

You will find yourself engaged in an inclusive and creative world where Paw Patrol characters, dinosaurs, snakes, barbies, Lego minifigures, stuffed animals and more all play together in harmony.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: Rewarding yourself when you have the patience to get through those difficult times with your toddler!!