Each day, parenting a toddler can bring a new challenge. I have to remind myself constantly not to have adult expectations of a little person. Life with a toddler is rarely quiet, almost never tidy, and full of moments that stretch us as parents. Hidden in the chaos are lessons — beautiful, humbling lessons — if we’re willing to see them.

Slow down. What takes us five minutes can take them twenty. Not because they’re slow, but because they are paying attention and learning new skills. Let them put their own shoes on, even if it means you are a few minutes behind schedule leaving the house; watch them learn independence. Let them tell you about how the ants travel in a line, even though you just want to get the groceries unloaded. God has given us this beautiful creation, and our children are helping to remind us to pay attention to it.

Ask hard questions and be honest. Odds are if you have a toddler you’ve been asked, “Mommy, why are you sad?” or “Did I hurt you?” At some point, we become adults and shy away from asking the hard questions. Let’s do better at checking in on each other, even if it feels uncomfortable. If my three-year-old can do it, then why can’t I? And let’s answer honestly: answer your kid’s questions truthfully and don’t be afraid to be honest with the people who matter most in your life. We know that vague answers with toddlers only lead to more “why” questions.

Growth is messy. Let’s be honest, kids are messy — literally and emotionally. They spill everything, scrape knees, throw tantrums, and have the biggest feelings. We learn the most by being challenged, though. Every time we stay calm when we want to lose our temper, every time we see the world through their eyes, every time we choose connection over control, that’s growth.

So take a breath, mama, let go of perfect, and lean into the present. Because when we do, we don’t just raise curious, courageous kids; we become more curious, courageous parents, too.

Prayer: Lord give me patience to handle the challenges of toddlerhood. Help me to be slow to anger and slow to speak so that your love speaks first. Thank you for blessing me with my babies and let me never take for granted the gift of being their mama.

with love and legos,

Cara