Here are the top three things that surprised me the most about having a toddler:
1. My toddler is more decisive than most people I know.
I am notoriously indecisive. Even today, I flip-flopped about 6 times over whether to order the salmon or chicken on my salad at lunch. But my daughter? She wakes up knowing what she wants. How she wants it. Where she wants it given to her. I’ve never seen anything like it – and it surprises me each and every day.
2. Toddlers won’t say what you ask them to say, but will no doubt repeat your dirty language.
I was so excited for the day that my daughters one-word utterances began growing into two-word phrases. Naturally, her first two-words formed a commonly used expletive that rhymes with “Oh, split.” That was a really fun trip to Target, let me tell you.
3. I am a much better toddler-mom than I ever thought I would be.
I didn’t exactly have high hopes for myself here. I was scared of the unknown. Worried about the lack of predictability. But you know what? Just as my toddler has surprised me, I have surprised myself. I’m calmer and more patient as a mother than I ever thought I’d be. I roll with the punches, I allow my daughter the space to learn and grow in her own way, I don’t hover or try to control every little situation – and that, my fellow mamas, is the most surprising bit of all.
A writer, entrepreneur, radio host, and powerful motivational speaker – Michelle Dempsey, owner and founder of Michelle Dempsey, Very Well-Written, has one goal in mind: empowering women from all walks of life with her incredible personal life story of overcoming adversity and using the lessons learned to achieve success. Internationally published and known for her ability to connect with readers on a deeper level, Michelle has successfully united her passion for business and writing and developed a thriving career, offering writing and editing services, business coaching, branding expertise, and content marketing to business of all kinds.
