My daughter, Lila, is 2 years old, and out of my three kids, she has definitely been the most challenging toddler. Now, that’s not to say my other children didn’t have their own hurdles. My eldest, Ethan, was a notorious non-sleeper. Getting him to rest for more than a few hours felt like finding a rare treasure. Then there’s Mia, my middle child, who seemed to have a knack for accidents. She was the first to make a trip to the ER, always teetering on chairs or struggling to navigate stairs.
But Lila? She’s a whole different level of whirlwind.
She’s undeniably cute, with her golden hair often styled in adorable pigtails. Her voice is a charming mix of a cartoon character and a delightful songbird. Her smile is sweet yet mischievous. But here’s the kicker: she really doesn’t seem to care about anything I say.
Every Sunday at church, she’s the one sprinting toward the pulpit while I chase after her, desperately trying to prevent her from banging on the organ keys. At the doctor’s office, she’s the little tornado yanking at faux plants or sneaking away to wreak havoc on a computer. And no matter how far I park the cart in the grocery store, she’ll find a way to grab a jar of spaghetti sauce and send it crashing to the floor.
The most challenging part about Lila is that she operates like a ninja. Instead of throwing tantrums, she simply moves on to the next mischief. I take away a pen, and before I can even close the drawer, she’s grabbed a doll stroller and is attempting to smash the TV screen.
Now, don’t get me wrong—this behavior is perfectly normal for her age. The “terrible twos” exist for a reason, but that doesn’t make it any less embarrassing when my toddler breaks something. It’s downright mortifying, to be honest.
She zooms around like a race car, leaving me utterly exhausted. Her curiosity is palpable, and while I appreciate her strong will and inquisitiveness—qualities I want to nurture—it’s hard to keep up with her nonstop antics. I wonder if part of the struggle is my age. I had my first two children in my mid-20s, and now in my mid-30s, I find myself lacking the energy to keep pace with my little dynamo.
But here’s the reality of parenting: no matter how old I am, I will have to chase her down. Whether I’m in my 60s or beyond, I’d still be on my feet, whether it’s during late-night wake-ups or running after a toddler. Parenting is about constant vigilance, which is why those of us with small children often find ourselves in sweatpants, skipping makeup, and wearing shoes only when absolutely necessary. The exhaustion from keeping a watchful eye on our little ones is real. We often rush through getting ready, fearful that if we take a moment, our toddler might figure out how to turn on the microwave. It’s why parents sometimes go days without a proper shower or answer the door for deliveries with glasses on and unkempt hair.
While this may sound bleak to those without kids, it’s not all bad. Sure, Lila is a handful, and yes, I hesitate to leave her with others out of sympathy for them. Yet, I often look back at those chaotic toddler years with fondness. I miss their sweet curiosity, their chubby cheeks, and the way their little hands would tug at mine. There’s an undeniable bond there, and despite all the challenges, they bring a warmth that makes those exhausting moments worthwhile.
Maybe it’s inherent—a biological response to keep us tethered to our little ones. Whatever the reason, it works, making every chaotic minute with a spirited 2-foot-tall child worth it.
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Summary:
Parenting a lively toddler like Lila can be both exhausting and rewarding. Despite the challenges of keeping up with her mischief, the bond formed during these chaotic years brings immense joy. The love for our spirited little ones, however trying they may be, makes every moment worth it.