Whether your kid is two or three or some month-variation in-between (and sometimes earlier or later), the whole toddler stage is a raw deal. A toddler is constantly frustrated that they lack the ability to fully express themselves, while parents are rung out from trying to keep up with the roller coaster of emotions they’re suddenly experiencing. When they're losing it over the color the cup you just handed them or that they can't jump off of the table or some other completely reasonable request, you know you can't lose yours. Still, that doesn't stop you from experiencing the things every new mom thinks about her toddler. Sure, you might feel guilty and, yes, those thoughts might be somewhat, um, negative? But whatever it is you're thinking about your toddler while they have a ridiculous tantrum, definitely doesn't make you a bad mom. but you’re thinking it, and that can cause some guilt. Trust me, you’re not alone.
If new mothers would forced to think nothing but lovely forgiveness thoughts while their toddlers throws something at their faces, they'd burn out immediately. Well, at least I would. Frustration and anger are valid emotions and it’s too exhausting to squash them down and pretend they don't exist, all in the name of guilt or some fictitious mom stereotype. Obviously I don’t let those "negative" feelings manifest in a harmful way, but I don’t beat myself up for throwing some shade at my kids from the comfort of my mind.
The nature of toddlers is one of button-pushing and boundary-pushing and to-the-brink-of-insanity-pushing. It's just the name of the toddler game, and it’s how they learn about the world and its limits (not to mention yours). So, during this time of wonderful discovery, you might have some of these thoughts about toddlers. Have no fear, they definitely don’t make you a bad mom: