Favorite Toddler Mom Hacks & Resources!

Ok mamas, let’s talk TODDLERS! “I’m a little nervous about caring for newborn again,” I confessed to a friend. “Really, why? They’re the easy part. It’s the toddlers!” Fellow mamas of little humans ages 1-3 – you know. The back of the church chase, the shopping cart meltdown. We ADORE them & their spunky JOY, but we’re also willing to do anything (all the white noise) for the necessary toddler nap 😘.

I remember reading Saint Zelie’s realness when describing St. Therese’s “toddler tantrums.” I remember moms of many admitting the toddlers and baby only stage being the hardest. Praise the Lord, “saints are just sinners who keep trying!” We’re all really doing our best!

Some things I’ve learned:

Toddler tips:

1. Distraction – as SOON as the meltdown starts. Pull out a new book, new toy, pick them up and start a completely different conversation. Follow @drmegmeeker

2. Buckles – go for a drive with kid music on (mom can earbud a podcast), use the highchair with cheerios or special crayons (so they can’t dump the toys), the crib with a book basket for quiet time.

3. Attention – Give them attention FIRST (before older kids!). Recognize the normalcy of short attention spans. The wise @jenmackintosh admits when she had a toddler (not a newborn!) her morning basket was the shortest. We’re talking 15-20 minutes!

4. Consistency – had to say it ;) In the stress moment, think of ONE consistent thing to bring them back. The book or blanket they remember, the chore they’ve mastered. Familiarity lights them right back up!

5. Smile & Laugh.

Toddler parenting books:

1. Parenting with Grace by Gregory & Lisa Popcak

2. Disciple That Lasts a Lifetime by Ray Guarendi

3. The Happiest Toddler on the Block by Harvey Karp

4. Brain Rules for Baby by John Medina

5. Habits: The Mother’s Secret to Success by Charlotte Mason

6. The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman

7. The Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori

Mamas, let’s give ourselves LOTSSSSSS of GRACE! We know our toddlers are the ones falling out of the pictures 😘!

Share with a friend, save the booklist & give us YOUR favorite toddler tricks below! 🙌🏻🙏

In Joy,

Alex