Have a listen to our chat with Pulse Mornings Neil and Leah about Teens VS Toddlers and which do you prefer? (read #ThatSurreyMom’s blog below.
I’m in the sweet spot of parenting. My eldest is 13 and fairly responsible, so the Mr. and I have a little freedom where we can leave him in charge. My “littles” are 7 & 10, so we don’t have to worry that they’re going to stick their finger in a light socket. After having little ones for so long it’s always surprising when we remember that we don’t have to perform logistical backflips just go to see a movie!
But, of course as our kids get older, their emotional needs are much more prevalent… and they can drive you batty with attitude and of course, BIG questions! Peer pressure, social media, there are just so many things to tackle with teens.
Toddlers are very intense. Sleep issues, choking hazards, crawling, walking, and of course, they’re completely irrational at times and let’s be honest, sometimes they’re straight-up JERKS.
So it’s a toss-up between the challenges! Personally I feel the toddler stage is just a marathon of keeping them alive and is physically taxing (kudos if you got any sleep in the first 5 years of your child’s life). Parenting a teenager needs you to be ON YOUR GAME at ALL TIMES. Plus, if you’re like me, there is a massive reduction in the sweet cuddles that were sometimes the only thing that kept me going in the younger years.
My opinion is that all stages of childhood have benefits and challenges, and oh I miss those toddler days. I’m definitely more challenged in the teen years. And full disclosure: I’m only 9 months in.
-Jen
#ThatSurreyMom