To ask if anybody actually enjoys parenting toddlers?

[huk]

Does anyone actually enjoy parenting toddlers? I’m actually miserable because of my toddlers behaviour, which isn’t me trying to ‘blame’ them; the responsibility for the behaviour ultimately lies with me but the crying and whining and screaming and inability to reason with them is just getting to me. I feel absolutely trapped in a screaming prison.

My first toddler was an absolute dream, until about 3 anyway. I did NOT know how easy I had it!! Don't worry, I got pay back and then some with no2. I look back now though and they were both so adorable and cute and delightful.

I think there's pros and cons to every stage to be honest and mine is 3 now and I do actually love this stage. But I'd say the period from about 8mths- almost 3 I was definitely flying by the seat of my pants just surviving. We were certainly not thriving lol.

I imagine it must be really hard to actually be a toddler though. You've more independence, you've got opinions but you can't actually communicate any of it and have no emotional regulation so is it any wonder they are just blind with rage 90% of the time?

All you can do is know you're not along, do what you need to in order to get your day in and know that this stage doesn't last forever.

My 32 month old is going through a phase where he will spend 30-45 minutes almost every morning having a melt over nothing. I love my kids more than anything but the endless wailing for me - only to get angry if i try to go to him and screaming "no" at me - then reverting is exhausting. Especially as i have an intense job so that's a significant amount of our time together during the week. I have learnt to roll with the punches and I think I am good at not taking it too personally but my god - you are left going "can you please just work out what you want".

They are cute and funny at this age but its hard work its like looking after your drunk best friend whos also suicidal and a bit of an arsehole

I don’t mind one toddler (he’s 2). But I find it hard to enjoy parenting him and his 4yo brother together.

Yes!! Mine have just started fighting over this. To start with I couldn’t work out why my younger one was screeching “butt…, butt!!!” at me in the lift; then I realised she’d learnt the word and wanted to be the one to press the button. We also have it at traffic lights. And she hates it when I stop her running into the road.