There’s something incredibly wholesome about the toddler age. They are starting to develop personalities, understanding boundaries, and how to interact with others. It’s, to me, one of the most fascinating stages of watching them grow. 

Every tantrum is a learning experience for everyone. It’s easier to manage them when you think of it that way. They are learning what’s acceptable in their behavior. We’re learning patience and giving grace to these little people who are overwhelmed by all these new feelings and skills and everything they are learning right now. You just have to keep in mind, even on the toughest days that you can’t control how they react, just how you react to them. The same applies to preteens and teens. But much harder to keep in mind.

Yesterday, during the nighttime cuddles that I’m soaking up because our toddler is the last child and I know how fast this goes, I missed her head and said “I love you.” She sat up, smiled, and in the sweetest voice said “Thank you, mommy.” Those are the moments they won’t remember, but you will. Those innocent moments that go too fast as you navigate raising them into adults.

It’s okay. It’s okay to be as sad as you are proud in these moments. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed during those neverending tantrums. It doesn’t last forever. Just focus on trying to see all these things with wonder and joy as your toddler is.