The parenting books, the insightful blogs, and all the experienced parents prepare you for the early stages of raising a baby. However, nothing truly equips you for the whirlwind that is life with a toddler, especially one who runs like the wind.
I had my first inkling that I might be raising an athlete when my son, Max, turned 18 months. Suddenly, every outing became a strategic mission. I found myself constantly scanning for exits, potential hiding spots, and the length of the dash from the door to the parking lot.
Ironically, my pregnancy was in full swing when his running escapades began. Chasing after a swiftly darting toddler became a daunting task, as my growing belly limited my agility. It wasn’t that he was purposely running away; rather, he was joyfully testing the boundaries of parks and museums, slipping into spaces I clearly couldn’t fit.
Things took a turn for the chaotic once his younger brother, Leo, entered the picture. Max quickly deduced that my bulkier stroller with his brother inside restricted my ability to keep pace with him. And let’s not even start on the thrill he found in those handicap buttons that magically opened doors.
Oh, my sweet little Max, are you bored at this museum or play area? Feel free to hit that button while sprinting backwards, all the while flashing me that mischievous grin. Running directly into a crowded parking lot? Sure, why not? (Insert facepalm emoji here.)
Fast forward to today, and my son is still on the go, like the Energizer Bunny. He has outgrown the phase where he acted out due to the new baby, and now he runs simply for the fun of it, all while chanting “walking feet, walking feet!” But here’s the kicker: I’m utterly exhausted from chasing after him, and I can’t help but wonder why I don’t have toned legs like Carrie Underwood or arms like Michelle Obama from all this activity.
While I love that my son is full of energy and can dash two miles without breaking a sweat, I find myself utterly worn out.
For more insights into similar parenting challenges, check out this article from one of our other blogs. And if you’re considering family planning, resources such as the CDC can provide excellent information on fertility and home insemination. Also, for reference, you might want to look into the authority on this topic, which can be found here.
In summary, navigating life with an energetic toddler is no small feat. The constant running keeps parents on their toes, testing their patience and stamina in ways they never anticipated.