As the mother of three lively girls under five, I’ve learned a lot about parenting toddlers—often the hard way. Life with little ones feels like a nonstop roller coaster, full of surprises, chaos, and moments that make you laugh until you cry. Here are ten relatable truths about life with toddlers and one bonus observation about the survival skills every parent develops.
1. Nursery rhymes become your favorite songs. While doing chores I find myself humming the ABCs, “Humpty Dumpty,” and “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.” Once my niece unconsciously sang “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” out loud in public and someone asked if she had kids. She laughed and I laughed with her—these songs sneak into your head and stay there.
2. Bath time blurs identities. I often reach for my shower sponge only to realize midway through that I’ve been using the kids’ body wash. When your household revolves around little ones, even small routines get mixed up.
3. TV time is cartoon time. Sometimes you want to relax with an adult show, but the children insist on cartoons. I’ll swap my plans for “Curious George” and, more often than not, end up enjoying it with them. It’s a small, shared joy that makes screen time feel less guilty.
4. Phone calls are chaotic. A typical conversation includes short commands and warnings—“Don’t pull the baby’s hair,” “Use the potty,” “Take turns.” While chatting with my mother recently, my older girls decided my hair was the perfect place to display every hair accessory they own. The unpredictable antics keep phone calls entertaining and, occasionally, impossible.
5. Cleaning never ends. You clean after every meal, after learning time, and after playtime. Even a day that looks tidy for a moment rarely stays that way. Some days I fantasize about a self-cleaning house.
6. Napping is constantly under attack. When I try to steal a short nap, one of them will tug my feet and insist I stay awake. I long for the luxury of a guilt-free nap—something I used to begrudge as a child when told to sleep. Now I’d happily accept that “punishment.”
7. Going out becomes a major production. Preparing for an outing can take hours, and even then we often leave late. Just as everyone is ready, a small voice will pipe up: “Mummy, I want to poo.” Timing with toddlers is unpredictable, and patience becomes essential.
8. Shopping for yourself is rare. I often enter a store intending to buy something for myself and leave with cute clothes or toys for the girls. Their tiny outfits and accessories are irresistible, and impulse buys for them are hard to resist.
9. Grocery trips can feel like a chase. I usually place my two-year-old in the cart, but she has a way of unwrapping items before I’ve paid. Sometimes I let her walk, which leads to running and giggling through the aisles. It’s adorable until you realize she’s filling the cart with things we don’t need.
10. Bedtime feels like a celebration. After a long, tiring day, tucking the girls in brings true relief. I breathe easier, thankful for quiet moments and the peaceful end to another full day.
Bonus point: Multitasking becomes second nature. I feed the youngest while updating my blog and supervising the older two. I cook, do laundry, and teach the alphabet all at once. With so many tasks demanding attention, multitasking is a survival skill.
Some days it feels like I might lose my mind, yet I always manage to get through. Nothing compares to gazing into the loving eyes of these little ones and hearing them tell you they love you. I remind myself every day that this stage is temporary, so I try to savor each moment—because these days won’t come back.
Which of these points resonates most with you? Don’t just read—share a comment and make me smile. Motherhood is chaotic, exhausting, and incredibly rewarding. I hope you had a sweet Mother’s Day.