10 Common Fears of Moms with Three-Year-Olds

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As my son transitioned from the chaotic age of three to the slightly more manageable four, I found myself looking at him with a mix of relief and apprehension. I could still vividly recall the tumultuous moments of his third year, which we jokingly referred to as Post-traumatic-three-year-old-syndrome. The thought of him losing it over the smallest issues had me on edge.

Now, with my second little one hitting that wild three-year mark, I’m reminded of the everyday scenarios that send shivers down my spine. Here are ten things that keep moms like me up at night:

1. Unexpected Changes to Plans: One day, my daughter was ready for gymnastics, all smiles in her cute outfit. But as I backed out of the driveway, I realized we had a flat tire. The panic in my chest wasn’t about fixing the tire; it was about breaking the news to her. Spoiler alert: she didn’t take it well.
2. Strange Foods: Dining at someone else’s home can be a minefield. If a dish doesn’t look familiar to my three-year-old, brace yourself for the meltdown. The embarrassment is almost too much to bear when she voices her disdain for something new.
3. Waking from Naps: There’s never a good time to wake a sleeping child, especially when they’re not ready. Armed with snacks and a shaky voice, I walk into her room, knowing that I’ll likely choose the wrong snack or even the wrong kind of socks. It’s a minefield.
4. Sticking to Your Guns: Sometimes, you have to be the bad guy. But when you declare, “Put your pajamas on NOW or no bedtime story,” you hold your breath, fearing they’ll challenge you. And when they do? That’s when the real chaos begins.
5. Over-the-Top Cheerfulness: My daughter can swing from joyful to grumpy faster than a pendulum. When she’s overly cheerful, it often means trouble is brewing just beneath the surface.
6. Spills on Favorite Clothing: The split second between the milk cascading down a beloved shirt and the dawning realization that she’ll need to change is terrifying. Just the thought of it sends chills down my spine.
7. Offering Help When It’s Not Wanted: Whether it’s a stubborn soap dispenser or an overly complicated toy, trying to assist when they clearly want to do it themselves can lead to a mini-drama.
8. Laughing at Serious Moments: It’s tough to keep a straight face when a small child is earnestly “telling on daddy” for not singing a song after she hit him. The seriousness is almost comical, and I sometimes struggle to suppress a giggle.
9. Skipping Meals: Trust me, this is a mistake you only make once. I’ve learned the hard way not to let my little one miss a meal; the aftermath is never pretty.
10. Disappointing News: If you think you can handle the wrath of a three-year-old, try telling one they can’t attend a birthday party they’ve been excited about for weeks. Good luck with that.

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In summary, parenting a three-year-old is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with laughter, tears, and a fair amount of fear. We navigate through it all, knowing every day is a new adventure—one that often leaves us feeling like we’ve just survived a storm.