Joy in the Toddler Years
The toddler years – a time of exploring, tantrums and amusing antics. I know many look at the toddler years with dread, but we need to change that mentality. I actually really enjoy this stage, and this may be an unpopular opinion, but as I am going through the toddler years for the 7th time, I have to say that age 2 is one of my favorites. Children at this age are walking, learning to talk, and embracing life at its fullest as their personalities emerge. Yes, there are challenging moments with tantrums as they learn to communicate, but it’s a small dent compared to the joy these years can bring.
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Life With a Busy Toddler
This past weekend we had a full sports schedule – I explain this more in this weekly post – and our youngest age 2 is always along for the ride. Really, he has such a unique position as he is fortunate to observe all of his older siblings. He sees their independence and actually strives for his own as well, but he is only 2, so he keeps us on our toes. But his little adventures and antics I love because it means he is exploring and learning to the fullest.
Toddler Activities at Sports Games
Practices and games are often filled with him trying to escape to the field as he thinks he is old enough to play too. Last weekend, We were at my 7-year-old daughter’s softball game and the field was completely fenced in. Paul and I thought great, he can’t get in, but Joshua put his 2-year-old creativity to the max.
He was playing with a tennis ball and he kept trying to throw it over the fence. We stopped it until we didn’t. Then he took off running along the fence. We thought not sure where he is going because there was no entrance, and then I turned to look and Joshua was on the field! We realized he just kept running till he found an opening, and mind you, we had never been to this field before, so he figured out the layout faster than we did! Paul hopped the fence and grabbed him before any interruptions.
Yes, it can feel a little frustrating but honestly, the frustration falls quickly away as we marvel at these amusing toddler antics. It also always gives our days an adventure – really.
What I Wish I Knew About Toddlers
I also have been reflecting on how I wish I realized this more when my older kids were toddlers. Before I felt, I just did not understand why the toddlers would not act they way I wanted them to and would push them more to my will, rather than working with them and meeting half-way. I remember one of my daughter just throwing a tantrum that she wanted a different spoon than I had given her. If felt so frustrated – why did it matter? I would push the situation (for the worse, really) to say “No, use this one. This is the one mom gave you.”
Now, I realize that this little mind was actually developing and expressing emotion and personality. Now, I just happily change the spoon or the bowl. It is not worth the argument. There are of course times when we need to discipline, so as I change out the spoon – no matter how ridiculous it is – I talk to the toddler explaining that we do not scream and say please. No, the toddler is not going to respond, but they take in so much more than we could ever imagine and this helps show them that we understand and listen and strengthens our communication with them – laying down a solid parenting foundation.
How to Embrace Toddler Learning
We also need to not take these toddler moments for granted – embrace the antics and support them trying to learn. The other day at my 4 year old’s tee ball practice, Joshua found a bucket of extra gear in the storage, and instead of completely stopping him, we grabbed gear that the team was not using and I played baseball with him. I then was able to have all distractions of the world and the screens melt away. Avoid that screen time as much as possible, these moments will create the lasting relationship.
Lessons Learned From Parenting Toddlers
When I look back to toddler mom 10 years ago to toddler mom now -it does seem crazy that I still a toddler mom, but I am so grateful to still be in this stage – I also do not fight the messes as much anymore. If a toddler is happy dumping things out or opening cabinets – it is worth the time to pick up the mess. Yet, in order to avoid the overwhelm, I also have limited the number of toys we have in the house. Our main floor only has one small basket of young kid toys, and I have easy clean up systems in other parts of the house.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn on qualifying purpchases
There is a box of Duplos, a bag of Mangaformers and a basket of cars. Toddlers do not need endless entertainment of “stuff” in the house. Honestly, mine could have a large plethora of toys in front of them and choose to play with a kitchen mixing bowl or a stick. Currently, as I am writing this post, Joshua — pacifier in mouth — has a wooden sword and a ball and is playing hockey with it. Remember, toys (at least in my house) are not ever used for their intended purpose. But allowing that freedom for them develops the imagination so much better along with real and practical items as toys. If I could go back to the time of my older kids as toddlers, I would have so much less.
Siblings and Toddler Bonding
Yet, as with all parenting, we develop and grow. God put certain children in the order He gave them to us as those children can handle our changing and growing ways as parents. I also SO enjoy how my older kids interact with my younger kids and especially the toddler age. Actually, my youngest is probably going to have a big ego, because the whole house believes what Joshua does is the best. The smallest antic gives a roar of laughter – so grateful for this big family characteristic.
Simple Toddler Play Ideas
We also all marveled at our Joshua show at a recent tee ball game. At the field we were at the football people left some pads out and he loved running full speed into the pad. We can learn from this too – these simple entertainments show how little ones use their imagination fully, laying the foundation for lifelong curiosity and learning.
Tips for Taking Toddlers to Sports Games
In preparation to take toddlers out, remember that they are little humans too – they want to do whatever their older siblings or adults are doing. Bring the toddler his own chair to a sibling sport game, a snack, water bottle, and something to play with – love these velcro ball sets. Remember also to embrace that in these years, you will not sit for the whole game and that is ok. Set your expectations to the phase of life you are currently in.
Finding Joy in Parenting Toddlers
So don’t fret over the difficult toddler moments – they will pass. What lasts is the joy, the laughter, and how these little humans teach us to find gratitude and grace in the most unexpected places.
Best Toddler Toys for Learning and Play
Shop some of our favorite toddler toys and simple entertainments:
Duplo Blocks – A long-lasting classic toddler toy that sparks endless hours of building and imaginative play. There are usually tears if a tower crashes, but I remind my toddlers (and the big kids too!) that the beauty of blocks is rebuilding — and adding even more creations.
Shop Duplo here
Magnatiles – These magnetic building toys are hands-down one of the best open-ended play options. My kids use them every single day, and they’re perfect for keeping toddlers entertained while I homeschool the older ones.
Shop Magnatiles here
Blu Track – This recent favorite was a gift for my 4-year-old, but it has turned into a toddler-approved creativity booster. It’s technically a toy, but the open-ended ways they use it make it so much more. It also stores so easily!
Shop BluTrack here
Matchbox Cars – these little cars, always have a basket full – for use on the race track, but furniture works very well too. Shop Matchbox Cars here
Velcro Ball Set – great easy and packable toy to bring along wherever toddler entertainment is needed. Just watch as it can also be used as an escape system to enter a sibling’s game field.
Shop Velcro Ball here
Toddler Camping Chair – Because independent toddlers need their own seat, especially at a sibling’s sports game or family camping trip.
Shop Toddler Camping Chair here
Sticks – Free, endless supply, and quite possibly the best toddler toy ever. No batteries, no price tag, just pure childhood play straight from your backyard.
(Mom tip: they will choose a stick over an expensive toy every single time.)
One final note: As I finish writing this post, Joshua has discovered the sugar container. Yes, frustrating — but also, my fault for not putting it higher in the cabinet. Toddlers really do earn full credit for their creativity.
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