Sharing is caring!

Don’t you just love the terrible ones, twos, and threes? I know every stage of motherhood has its own challenges. But there seems to be a special set that come along with the toddler years. I’ve gone through the toddler stage four times already, each time with different personalities, highs, and lows. My youngest is 22 months-old now. He knows exactly what he wants, and has a pretty good vocabulary. But he still can’t get his point across all the time. He gets frustrated when we – the idiot adults – are terrible interpreters. This kid loves his independence, but just can’t do it all on his own. He’s also the most daring of all our kids. If he’s standing on top of something, and starts to count down 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…you know he’s about to jump! Every day that we keep him alive is an accomplishment! Needless to say, the toddler years aren’t easy. Sometimes you just need some tips to survive your day-to-day. Here, I’ll share my best advice to moms of toddlers.

My Personal Tips:

1. Make a schedule and try to stick to it

While I don’t recommend stressing about getting your newborn on a schedule, a toddler schedule is pretty important. Children tend to behave better in a structured environment. They love to know what to expect next. So, once you start to notice a day-to-day pattern in your toddler’s meals, naptime, and bedtime, run with it! It’ll make things a little easier on you.

2. Don’t take it personal

I’m going to keep it real. There are times I’m convinced my toddler hates me. He won’t let me get a good night’s rest. He won’t let me put him down when I really need to do something. There’s crying, screaming, and throwing himself on the ground when I tell him he can do something later, not now (it wasn’t even a true no!). But, then the same little monster comes to me and gives me a big hug and kiss, a smile, or an “I love you mommy”, and my heart just melts.

I have to realize that he’s still figuring this whole life thing out. He doesn’t know what works and what doesn’t, so he’s trying what he can. He’s testing his limits. Your toddler doesn’t hate you. He isn’t out to make your life miserable. It’s all a learning process for both of you. His many moods can change minute by minute, so try not to take them too personally.

3. Invest the time and/or money in swimming lessons

Drowning is a major cause of death in toddlers, so it’s so important that they know how to swim. Of course, they should always be supervised around any body of water – whether they know how to swim or not. But swimming lessons can at least help your child to survive should he sneak away to the pool unnoticed.

4. Encourage independence, but safety is always first

Toddlers learn by exploring their environment. But, their little hands and feet can get themselves into places and situations they aren’t supposed to be in. Allow a healthy amount of exploring and independence, but not at the risk of their safety. Always watch for hazards. Teach your toddler about those hazards early on – even if you think he doesn’t understand.

5. Start discipline early

It’s amazing how quickly your toddler starts to understand right from wrong and the word “no”. I recommend laying down rules as early as your toddler can understand. If a rule is broken, be sure there is a consequence associated with it. This doesn’t have to be something big.

For example, if you asked him to stop coloring on the wall and he continues to, you take the crayon away. Redirection and timeout can be so helpful. I typically recommend a minute per year of life for time out. If your little one is throwing a tantrum, take away your attention for a few minutes. This way he learns that throwing himself on the ground will push you away rather than draw you in – which is usually his ultimate goal. The key is to makesure that all caretakers are on the same page when it comes to discipline. This way, your little one doesn’t get confused.

6. Start chores early

Don’t be afraid to give your toddler chores as soon as he can understand. Teach him to put things back where they belong. If he can make a mess he can clean it up! You may have to guide him through it at first, but eventually he’ll get the hang of it.

7. Keep hugging and kissing for as long as you can

Even with all the independence that comes with toddlerhood, your little one is still reliant on you for so much of his needs. You may only get hugs and kisses at bedtime or when he’s sick. But make an extra effort to still smother him as though he were a newborn! One day he’ll be a “too cool” middle schooler who won’t even want you to drop him off at the front of the school. So keep that affection going for as long as you can.

8. You don’t have to be a “teacher”

Toddlers absorb so much from their day-to-day lives. Don’t feel like you have to sit down and “teach” a lesson. As you go through your day, count things out loud. Point out everyday shapes and colors. If you see an animal, talk about the sounds that animal makes. He’ll learn and retain so much more this way, rather than trying to sit down “classroom-style”. Don’t feel like you have to over-commit your toddler to mommy groups and activities. Allow him to just explore his natural environment, and I promise you, he’ll learn.

9. Save money on toys

Kids really don’t need expensive toys to keep them happy. Have you ever noticed your little one getting long periods of enjoyment from wrapping paper, pots and pans or empty toilet paper rolls? My son can play with the same set of cars every single day and be absolutely content. Between my five kids, so many of their toys have gone unused over the years. So, save yourself the money and the clutter and don’t worry about the expensive stuff.

10. Don’t compare

Don’t stress about what every other mom is doing. Don’t stress about how well-behaved, clean, or smart her toddler is. So what, they potty trained at 18 months! Who cares if they can read at 2? You never know the background story. Everyone has their own hidden struggles. Own your journey and don’t compare it to anyone else’s. Your toddler was meant for you, and you were meant for him. So, be grateful for what you have. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side!

Tips From Readers:

11. Don’t skip nap time

Nap time is necessary to avoid the evening overload meltdown over every simple thing. Bonus: it gives you a couple hours to recharge mentally for the rest of the day – those little whirlwinds have endless energy. (Lateria Watson)

12. Get out

Breathe. This too shall pass. 😂 but seriously, get out of the house. Find free activities to burn some energy (and maybe even learn something). (Kaara Phillips)

13. Use your pets!

The dog park is your friend. You can run your dog and your toddler. (They both will play fetch) 😂😂😂 (Kristina Nicole)

14. Be sneaky with snacks

Hide in the closet when you want to eat and you won’t need to share (itsafullhousefrenzy). I still do this, even with my older kids! My favorite snacks come out at night

15. Just walk away

Sometimes, don’t fight it. Just walk away for a bit. (Dr.staci.t). There may be moments where you’ve tried all you can, but you still have an angry, temper tantrum-throwing toddler. You have no idea what went wrong, and don’t know how to fix it. So, as long as he’s safe, just walk away. It’ll give you both a minute to calm down, and to hopefully forget whatever that just was.

16. Live in the now

Enjoy your time with your toddler cause when they’re older in the teens or tweens it’s another world out there – no lack of challenges for a mum! You’ll miss the toddler days then, I can promise you that. (themumkarma)

17. Have patience with potty training

(theimperfectmomlife). Some kids get it easily, without much effort on your part. Some kids are brilliant in so many other areas, but are just downright stubborn and refuse to potty train. Others just don’t get it, aren’t interested, and take longer than some. Whatever the situation, have patience. It can be a year-long process, so pack your patience and give your toddler some grace.

18. Cut yourself some slack

Let go of the mommy guilt. Do something for yourself. (Sonal Patel-Saraiya). You’ve made it through pregnancy, the newborn and infancy periods. You deserve some credit! Remind yourself that you’re still a woman – a woman who had a life and a brain before your little one came along. So, spend some time nurturing yourself, your interests, your needs. Don’t be afraid to leave your toddler with someone else so that you can get a much-needed break.

Believe me, I know the toddler years aren’t easy, but you can do this! It may seem like an eternity while you’re going through it. But, it really does go by quickly. Oddly enough, you’ll miss it when you get to the next stage. Remember these brief tips to help you on this rollercoaster of toddlerhood! You got this! This too shall pass!

Do you have any other toddler tips to add? Leave a comment below!

If you’re a toddler mom, you can get my free printable “Potty Training Reward Chart” by filling out the box below. It includes an easy sheet to track your child’s progress on the potty, along with tips for success. You’ll also get access to my Resource Library with tons of helpful printables and checklists, plus my weekly newsletter to help you balance your many roles. Check it out!

Want to save this article, My Best Advice To Moms of Toddlers, for later? Pin it below, and share with your family and friends!

Sharing is caring!