Surviving and Thriving as a Toddler Mom: Finding Joy in the Chaos
If you’re in the thick of toddlerhood right now, let me just say: I see you. You’re breaking up crayon fights, fishing Goldfish crackers out of the couch, and answering 10,000 questions before 9 a.m. Your coffee is cold, your hair’s in a messy bun (again), and you can’t remember the last time you went to the bathroom alone.
Welcome to life with a toddler — where the days are long, the emotions are big, and the love is even bigger.
The Toddler Years: A Beautiful, Exhausting Rollercoaster
Let’s be real: toddlers are tiny tornadoes of energy and feelings. One minute they’re snuggling sweetly in your lap, and the next they’re melting down because their banana broke in half (the horror!).
It’s exhausting. It’s loud. And yet, it’s also kind of magical. Toddlers are discovering the world, testing limits, and showing us what pure, unfiltered joy (and frustration) looks like.
The trick — I’ve found — is learning to survive the hard moments and really soak in the good ones.
My Survival Kit for Toddler Mom Life
Here’s what’s helping me keep my sanity intact (most days):
Snacks. Always snacks. For them and for me. Hangry toddlers are no joke, and neither are hangry moms.
A sense of humor. If you can’t laugh at the chaos, you’ll cry. (And okay, sometimes I do both.)
Lowered expectations. My house isn’t spotless, my to-do list isn’t always finished, but my child is fed, safe, and loved. That’s the win.
Screen time with zero guilt. When I need 20 minutes to breathe or make dinner without someone clinging to my leg, Bluey comes to the rescue. No shame here.
Mom friends (even virtual ones). Nothing beats venting to someone who gets it. I began using social media again (after 12 years of completely removing it from my life) because I needed a way to connect with other moms who understood me.
How I’m Learning to Thrive (Not Just Survive)
Survival is important — but I also want to look back on these years and remember the joy, not just the struggle. So here’s what I’m working on to actually thrive during toddlerhood:
Leaning into the wonder. Watching my toddler light up at little things (like spotting a bug or jumping in puddles) reminds me to slow down and see the world through their eyes.
Prioritizing small pockets of self-care. It’s not always spa days and bubble baths — sometimes it’s just drinking my coffee while it’s still warm or scrolling memes while they nap. Also, if you have a husband who is willing to help, let him. If you have family who are willing to help, let them. Don’t be afraid to let go a little. Fill your cup.
Choosing connection over perfection. My child won’t remember if I folded the laundry right away, but they will remember that I sat on the floor and played blocks with them.
Celebrating the small wins. The first time they say “please” without prompting? Victory. A meltdown-free grocery trip? Gold medal. I still remember our first successful trip to the Children’s Park. She stayed close and didn’t put up a fight when I told her it was time to go. It was the best day, and I made sure to praise her for it.
You’ve Got This, Mama
Toddlerhood is wild, unpredictable, and sometimes downright exhausting. But it’s also filled with belly laughs, sloppy kisses, and moments that take your breath away.
So if today was hard (or loud or sticky or messy), give yourself grace. You’re doing the most important, challenging, and rewarding job there is. And you’re not just surviving — you’re building the foundation for your child’s entire world.
Take a deep breath, grab a snack (because snacks fix everything), and remind yourself: You’ve got this.
