By Jane Marsh
Parenting a toddler can be a whirlwind of emotions and small crises. From spilt breakfasts to unexpected tantrums, your kids can test your patience constantly. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, even when you love your child deeply. Luckily, patience is a skill you can strengthen with time and practice.
Why Patience Matters in Parenting
Patience is essential for your wellbeing and your child’s development. Toddlers are still learning about the world. They are learning how to communicate, deal with their emotions and test boundaries, which can be frustrating for parents.
Studies show that children can model their parents’ emotional regulation. Kids whose parents struggle with maintaining patience or managing their emotions can also struggle with the same things. On the other hand, parents with better emotional regulation tend to have toddlers who can also handle their emotions well.
Patience also benefits you as a parent. Constantly reacting with anger increases stress, which can affect your physical and mental health. Practising patience allows you to create a calmer household and model strategies your child can adopt as they grow.
How to Navigate Everyday Toddler Challenges
Parenting a toddler can be exhausting and fun, often at the same time. Here’s what a typical day might involve, along with tips to maintain patience throughout each stage.
The Morning Rush
Mornings can feel fast-paced. Your toddler might wake up earlier than expected, spill breakfast or refuse to get dressed. Disposable nappies simplify this part of the day, allowing for quick changes and convenient cleanup. Planning is key. Preparing snacks, outfits and bags the night before reduces stress and creates a smoother start.
Midday Mayhem
Mid-morning and lunchtime are usually when your toddler’s energy peaks. Parents juggling work or errands often find themselves responding to repeated questions or messes.
Engage your child in creative play or problem-solving activities, even for short periods, to reduce restlessness and tantrums. Offer them simple choices, like picking a snack, to encourage confidence and give them a sense of control.
Afternoon Adventures
Afternoons can include errands or playdates, which can test your patience in new ways. Preparation is everything. Packing nappies, wipes, snacks and your kid’s favourite toys ensures they remain content, preventing unnecessary stress. Nap time can also help maintain your toddler’s mood and reduce tantrums, especially when they feel tired or overstimulated.
Evening Wind-Down
Evenings can feel like the last stretch of your marathon of a day. Tired toddlers can be more prone to crankiness, and your patience might be at its lowest.
Keep your dinner simple and low-pressure so your kid feels more relaxed. Bath time can be playful but still structured, using familiar routines. Bedtime should also be consistent. Dim lighting, a lullaby, a bedtime story or other quiet activities signal it’s time to sleep.
More Tips to Help You Stay Calm
Routines are great, but some days can be more chaotic than others. These strategies can help you maintain calm, even in the most challenging moments.
Don’t Take Things Personally
Toddlers are exploring the world and testing boundaries. Their behaviour is not a personal attack. For example, if your child throws a toy into the toilet, remember it’s a developmental stage, not malice. If the item is still visible, retrieve it in a matter of seconds using rubber gloves and speak calmly to your child about handling their belongings with care. Seeing behaviour as a learning opportunity rather than a challenge to your authority can help you respond calmly.
