Sometimes it can feel like you're speaking an entirely different language when you're attempting to talk to anyone who isn't a parent about what it's like to have a toddler. There are some very unique challenges when it comes to living with a miniature tyrant, which I'm pretty sure is the actual definition for a toddler in the dictionary. In fact, a day in the life with a 2-year-old is surprisingly similar to living with a perpetually hungover roommate in college. You clean up lots of messes with little gratification, but absolutely adore having random, late night dance parties in your pajamas.
Though it may seem like there's really no way to adequately explain the intense highs and lows of parenthood, I'm sure you wouldn't change being the proud parent of your tiny tornado, either. Sure, being woken up in the middle of the night, watching kids' televisions shows for the millionth time, dealing with a picky eater, tackling potty training, and trying to figure out what that stain is on the couch isn't exactly super fun. But, building pillow forts, finger-painting in the tub, listening to squeals of laughter, and kissing boo-boos is totally worth it. So check out what a day with a 2-year-old is really like, as told in GIFs.
5:00 A.M. — Wake Up
Remember the days when the sound of an actual alarm clock — followed by the sound of you hitting the snooze button — is what woke you up in the morning? Ah, those were the days. Now it's a curiously sticky finger poking you until you open your eyes.
5:15 A.M. — Make Your Way To The Kitchen
Apparently children need to eat and somehow your 2-year-old hasn't quite mastered food prep yet. So try not to spill your coffee as you attempt to make breakfast while you continue to fully wake up.
5:45 A.M. — Submit Breakfast For Their Consideration
Apparently one's sophisticated palate begins to develop sometime during the toddler stage. At least that's what your 2-year-old would have you believe every time you try to serve them food they deem inedible.
6:00 to 6:30 A.M. — Beg Them To Eat
It's like your 2-year-old doesn't understand they need to eat in order to live. So you resort to begging them to eat something, anything.
7:00 A.M. — Give Up
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. The same goes for convincing your toddler to eat.
8:00 A.M. — Make A Horrible Realization
How can someone so small who eats so little produce so much poop?!
8:01 A.M. — Casually Bring Up "Diaper/Potty Time"
I mean, I guess I get it. If someone tried to mess with me every time I had to use the restroom, I'd be a little feisty, too.
8:15 A.M. — Clean/Dress Your Child
Somehow your toddler has ninja-level evasion skills the moment you try to dress or clean them. Bonus points if you can get them to complete anything resembling a morning hygiene routine.
9:00 A.M. — Reward Yourself
If you've successfully fed, clothed, changed, and kept your child alive, you deserve a reward.
9:15-10:45 A.M. — Have A Little Fun
Whether it's an activity you found on Pinterest or you just want to let your little one burn off some energy, it's time to put on your "fun parent" hat for play time.
11:00 A.M. — Cave In To Snacks
Since your 2-year-old has decided that everything they once thought was yummy is now poison, you let them munch on whatever they want since they refuse to believe they need to eat in order to live.
11:15 A.M. — Negotiate Nap Time
If you weren't religious before, you'll suddenly find yourself praying to any and all gods for your child to take a nap.
11:30 A.M. — Get Paranoid
You've finally managed to get your tot to go down for a nap, but now you're wondering if silence means they're sleeping or plotting.
12:00 P.M. — JK, They're Awake
As children grow, their length time of naps decrease. It's science.
12:05 P.M. — Mediate The Post-Nap Confusion
Whether your child refused a nap or is just readjusting to the waking world, their emotions might not be settled quite yet.
12:30 to 6:30 P.M. — Repeat The "Feed, Change, Clean, Play" Steps 'Til Bedtime
Don't worry if you feel like you're stuck in a time loop. Welcome to being the parent of a toddler.
7:00 P.M. — Convince Them They're Tired
Another scientific fact: no matter how tired a 2-year-old truly is, they will fight it until they literally pass out. This little dance may go on for 15 minutes or an hour.
8:00 P.M. — Don't. Make. A. Sound.
Once your child is finally asleep, you dare not do anything to disturb the blissful peace.
8:30 P.M. — Relax
You've earned a little break time before bed, so live it up!
