Toddlerhood - normal to feel this way?

[LizzyJam]

Just looking for reassurance…

I have a DS who is very nearly 3. He’s largely a delight, but like all toddlers, very up and down at times. Dressing him is a mission, bed time is a mission. Getting him to eat is a mission. Asking him to get his wellies on is a mission. Helping him use the loo is a mission. He has recently dropped a nap so the entire day is more mission like than ever before.

I am a sensitive person anyway, but am finding life now a little - well, hard. It all just feels a slog and even though he sleeps well, I still wake up feeling exhausted and dreading the day a little. If I’m not responding to his needs, I’m worrying about him - is he feeling loved? His he eating well enough? Is he getting enough fresh air? Have I already screwed him up as a human being?!

It all just feels a little all-encompassing and heavy. I don’t feel as light and optimistic as I once did!

Is this normal?!

OP, I can assure you that I feel exactly how you feel. I think it's absolutely normal. Toddlers are fucking hard sometimes, and I worry all the time about whether my parenting approach is 'right' or whether I'm messing up my DD for life. The guilt and pressure is real. I've also got a 6 month old DS, so feeling the pressure on two fronts. Unfortunately I don't have any actual advice, but just wanted you to know that you are certainly not alone

Yeah totally normal, I found it a bloody grind, toddlers are hard work. I think it’s the reason human babies are cute, otherwise they would be abandoned left right and centre. It won’t last forever OP, my advice would be get him to do things himself, even if it takes longer initially, things like shoes on etc.

And worrying you are doing something wrong, I’m not sure that ever really goes away but it does subside a bit.

Toddlers are gremlins that have been fed after midnight!

There’s moments where they are totally adorable and others you want to bang your head against a wall!
it will pass