Strategies for getting through the toddler years ?

[elelfrance]

Looking for the collective wisdom of MN here.
DD 3.5 & DS 1.5 , me working fulltime, DH SAHP
We're struggling a bit ... between the tantrums, the negotiating, the broken nights, the relentlessness of having 2 toddlers/preschoolers. DH especially is finding it hard, and finds it hard to mix with other SAHPs (99% mums, though he's shy anyway so whether its mums or dads isn't really that important), so is a bit isolated.
I know this is a short time in our lives, and that things will get a little easier in a few years time, but I'd love to hear from those who are out the other side about the small things that helped you get through the toddler years a bit easier ?

Honestly, you just have to grit your teeth and get through it. I've been there so I know how exhausting it is. My best advice is to try and be as consistent as possible with bedtime, diet and discipline. Letting them get away with certain behaviours one day and then trying to correct that same behaviour the next day will lead to disaster. Don't give in to tantrums, whatever you do! You'll get through it, I promise!

Thanks Aqua, we're not so bad with bedtime and discipline - though it requires constant constant holding the line! Not so good with diet - no junk or sugary stuff, but a lot less veg than I'd like for DD, and DS is bizarre about textures....but its the thing we don't have the energy to fight over

My 1.5 year old is refusing to sleep at the moment.

Place marking.

What Aquamarine says, and stick at two.

Oh god yes @iamastonished, we are very much sticking at two!!

You are 6months ahead of me. I try to keep it simple. I don't try to plan big, complicated days with tons of activities. Out in the morning to a toddler group, park, library, shops etc etc home for lunch and stay home playing/chores/pottering etc rest of the day.

I am just coming out the other side of this (nearly 4 & nearly 6) it's been tricky!

My 2 top tips are focus on sleep, even if the days are hard, if they go to bed and stay there at least you get a bit of an evening (peace) and are not totally & utterly exhausted

My other tip, get out of the house, at every opportunity, nothing worse than staying in to drive you all mad!

Also pick your battles, focus on the important things, but let the small things go, good luck!

🍷

Drop your standards.
Temporarily housework stds need dropping
Concentrate on kids. Forget house.

A few years sort the house out.