Whether you’re navigating the delightful chaos of an “oops” baby like me, starting your family a bit later, or reminiscing about the days when you had a spirited three-year-old, you know that parenting a preschooler is a wild ride: part exasperation, part exhaustion, and a whole lot of laughter. As a genuine child of the ’80s—remember when MTV launched with “Video Killed the Radio Star”?—I find that the tunes from that iconic decade resonate deeply with my experiences with my little girl. So, let’s let some of the best artists from the ’80s share my journey:
“99 Luftballons” by Nena (1983)
Much like this catchy tune, my three-year-old sometimes speaks in a language only she understands. With her charming mix of non-sequiturs and whimsically jumbled words, conversing with her can feel like deciphering a foreign dialect. I just smile and nod along!
“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2 (1987)
Searching for that tiny blue crown from the Elsa doll? Or the zebra-striped slap bracelet from a birthday party two months ago? Some days, it feels impossible to locate anything in the house, and I find myself echoing U2’s sentiments all too well.
“Urgent” by Foreigner (1981)
Picture this: we’re in the grocery store, and suddenly, she declares, “Mommy, I need to pee!” Talk about a crisis! Abandoning the cart, I scoop her up like a football and dash through the aisles—because, of course, I forgot to bring a change of clothes. Living on the edge, am I right?
“I Want Candy” by Bow-Wow-Wow (1982)
The breakfast struggle is real. “I want Gummy Bears!” she insists. “How about oatmeal?” I suggest. “Tootsie Pop!” she demands. Nope, not happening, kiddo! It’s Day 4 of our Candy-Free Zone, and I’m not about to be the world’s biggest pushover. “How about some scrambled eggs?” “M&Ms!” Fine, you win. I just want to sip my coffee before it gets cold.
“Shout” by Tears for Fears (1984)
Shouting is the primary form of communication in my house. The little one yells at the dog for chewing her favorite toy, and I yell at her to stop yelling. She then shouts back, “Don’t yell at me, Mom!” Later, I hear her scolding her older sister for yelling. There’s definitely a lesson in there somewhere.
“I Ran” by Flock of Seagulls (1982)
Why do little kids feel the need to run everywhere? From the car to the house? Run! Through the parking lot? Run! The four feet between the kitchen chair and the refrigerator? You guessed it—run!
“Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran Duran (1982)
Every few months, my youngest dramatically declares she’s “starving.” Ah, the classic growth spurt! I always have a stash of snacks on hand—though I might be thinking about chips instead of organic carrots and dried fruit. Whoops!
“Would I Lie to You?” by Eurythmics (1985)
Me: “Who dumped the dog food everywhere?”
Three-year-old: “Not me, Mommy.”
Me: “Why is my thong on the stuffed panda?”
Three-year-old: “I don’t know.”
Me: “Did you finish the Thin Mints?”
Three-year-old: “Nope.”
Would your little one tell a fib? Absolutely! Experts say it’s typical behavior for their age; they’ll outgrow it—eventually!
“Just Like Heaven” by The Cure (1987)
Despite the chaos, having a three-year-old is pure magic. When she says “I love you, Mommy” out of nowhere, my heart melts. Watching her discover new things fills me with pride. She reminds me every day of the beauty in life.
“I Wanna Be Sedated” by The Ramones (1980)
By the end of a long day, all I crave is a peaceful slumber in my cozy bed. Parenting is rewarding, but sometimes, I just want to escape into dreamland. Little did Joey Ramone know his punk anthem would resonate so deeply with parents everywhere. Here’s to another day in paradise!
Navigating life with a toddler can be a rollercoaster of emotions—joy, frustration, and everything in between. It’s the little moments that make it all worthwhile.
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In summary, parenting a three-year-old is a uniquely challenging yet rewarding experience, filled with memorable moments and the occasional dose of chaos. Embrace the journey!