Real Toddler Parenting Tips (From a Mom in the Trenches)

Let’s be honest — parenting toddlers is beautiful chaos. One minute they’re cuddling you, the next they’re losing their mind because you peeled their banana wrong. If you’re in the thick of it, here are a few realistic, no-fluff tips that actually help: 1. Narrate Everything. Toddlers thrive on routine and predictability. Narrating what’s happening or what’s about to happen (“Now we’re going to brush teeth, then pick a story!”) helps them feel secure and cuts down on tantrums. 2. Offer Choices (Even When You Only Want One Outcome). Toddlers crave control. Give them choices that work for you: “Do you want the red cup or the blue cup?” Either way, they’re drinking their water, and you’ve avoided a power struggle. 3. Embrace the Snack Basket. Keep a small, healthy snack basket at toddler level. This gives them a little independence and saves you from 47 snack requests a day. Bonus: you get to choose what goes in it. 4. Validate the Big Feelings. Yes, it’s ridiculous that their sock is “too socky.” But to them, it’s huge. Saying, “You’re feeling really upset about your sock. That’s okay,” teaches emotional awareness and helps them calm down faster. 5. Lower the Bar. Not every moment needs to be Pinterest-worthy. Some days are survival mode. Frozen waffles for dinner? Screen time so you can drink a hot coffee? You’re still a great parent. Remember: Toddlers are tiny humans learning how the world works. You’re their safe place — even when they’re losing it over the color of a cup. You’ve got this.