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4 Ways to Survive The Toddler Transition

And just like that Hendrix is a full-blown toddler! It seems like it was just yesterday when I found out Hendrix was a boy. In a week Hendrix will be 2 and I find myself being sooooo cliché these days with thinking things like “where has the time gone” and “they grow up so fast”.  Even though these sentiments are felt deeply, I am realizing I don’t have time to think about where the time has gone because I’m now in full-blown #toddlermom mode! Although my instinct is to look at Hendrix like he’s still my little baby, the reality is (and he has no problem telling me) he’s a “big boy.” Because this is my second go-around there are a few things that I can glean from Camilla’s toddler-hood and apply to her brother with these 4 reminders to help survive the toddler transition.

4 Ways to Survive The Toddler Transition

1. Keep Your Eyes Peeled For Readiness Cues

As your child transitions from baby to toddler everyday seems like they are just on the cusp of learning a new skill or discovering that they can do something that they couldn’t do before. With Cami we made the mistake of switching her to a toddler bed even though she wasn’t indicating that she was ready to be out of her crib. It made for a really difficult transition for her. With Hendrix, we know now to wait for cues that he is ready (like trying to climb out). Although he is not trying to break out of his crib just yet, I know it’s coming! To prepare I have gotten a few items to transition his nursery into a “big boy” room and still keep the outer space theme, which I love!

4 Ways to Survive The Toddler Transition

I was able to find so many goodies on Walmart.com during their semi-annual Best of baby month online event happening the entire month of September. You can find items for your child at black Friday prices or better! The best part for me is that items span from new born and baby registry items, to must-haves for babies who are transitioning to toddlers. Hendrix will be all set to take on more adventures as he grows!
Bonus: I was even able to save on a booster car seat for Cami!

4 Ways to Survive The Toddler Transition

2. Patience Is Vital

Nothing tests your patience like a 2 year old! Most toddlers are limited in their communication. They know what they want, they just don’t know how to say it (cue temper tantrum).  Knowing that toddlers aren’t the most effective communicators, patience on a parent’s end is crucial. There are days where I want to cry right along with Hendrix but if I stop and really try to figure out what he’s trying to tell me, I get a lot further. Many times it’s a guessing game trying to figure out where he is pointing or what English word he’s trying to say. A little patience goes a long way and in turn I notice him trying to be a little more patient with me as I try to figure it out.

4 Ways to Survive The Toddler Transition

3. You AND Your Toddler Gain More Independence

This is mixed emotion bullet-point for me. I love that both my kids are wanting to be more and more independent as they grow, however, watching Hendrix take off his shirt “all by himself” for 10 minutes is not my jam! It takes everything within me to wait and let him figure it out. Hendrix does really well feeding himself with his big boy dish and silverware set. He doesn’t want me to help him at all and I have learned to embrace the mess and applaud his effort.

4 Ways to Survive The Toddler Transition

We have also begun the process of potty training after seeing some signs of readiness. I think I might be a little too excited about the independence that two potty trained kids will give me! I make sure to have our folding travel potty seat on hand with us wherever we go now so that when I see the “potty dance” I can spring into action!

4 Ways to Survive The Toddler Transition

4. Watch Them Explore

Seeing the world through a child’s eyes is so amazing. As adults we get so caught up in our day-to-day “adulting” that we forget about the wonder of things we have grown numb to. I have started to show Hendrix videos of things that he has never seen before. The other day I showed him a video of a space ship taking off and he was beside himself in amazement. It made me stop and think about how amazing it really is that through science and technology we can do that! We watched videos of Louis Armstrong playing the trumpet and it’s as if the music went straight to his bones and he couldn’t stop dancing. He had never seen or heard a trumpet before! Toddlers are a beautiful reminder of how amazing life is and how much we still have to learn.

4 Ways to Survive The Toddler Transition

This post contains affiliate links, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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