Why Parenting a 1-Year-Old Can Be Incredibly Draining

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When you catch those cheerful commercials—whether about diapers, cleaning products, or that blissful morning coffee—there’s a common theme: spotless homes, perfectly organized spaces, and babies who are perpetually happy. You can bet those little ones are sleeping through the night, leaving their parents rejuvenated and ready to tackle the day. However, if you’re the parent of a 1-year-old, you know the truth is far different.

Imagine a day in the life of a parent trying to survive the whirlwind that is a 1-year-old. Here’s a glimpse into the chaos:

• Is she choking?
• Oh no, she’s yanked the outlet protector out! Quick, get it out of her mouth!
• Is she climbing up on the furniture? Honey, get down from there!
• Wait, is she playing in the toilet? WHAT?!
• Did she just put something questionable in her mouth? Honey, open up for Mommy!
• Roll down the window, she’s going to be sick again.
• Can I have the remote control, please? Don’t push that…too late, you deleted it.
• What’s wrong, sweetie? You want up? Now you want down? Just stay still!
• Is she headed for the stairs? Who removed the baby gate?
• Oh no, baby…don’t touch that…let me grab a paper towel.
• Did she swallow that penny? Oh my gosh, what if she did?
• I need a new outfit; she just had a blowout. No extras in her drawer? Did you check the dryer?
• Now where’s the skillet? And the mixing bowl? Let me check her play area.
• Don’t pull the dog’s tail! And no, don’t ride her!
• Come here so Mommy can wipe your nose. Just let me wipe it, please!
• No, don’t give her that! She can’t chew it yet!
• Where is she? Why can’t I find her?
• Wait, she’s trying to stick her finger in the outlet again? Didn’t I just put that protector back in?
• Honey, please don’t bang on the keyboard!
• I need another outfit; she pulled off her bib and juice is everywhere.
• Don’t eat that dirty shoe! Give it back to Mommy!
• Where are all the sippy cups? I’ll check the van; I think I saw a few there yesterday.
• Why can’t I find the baby? Check behind the couch!
• Is she breathing alright?
• Can someone grab me another diaper? The baby just had a blowout.
• No, no…ugh, she did it again.
• Where’s her other sock?
• I need the syringe for her nose again.
• Who left their fruit snack wrapper here? The baby just ate part of it!
• Can someone help me find my phone? We need to play Daniel the Tiger right away.
• Sweetie, don’t touch that. Listen to Mommy, please.
• No, don’t eat the dog food!
• Hot. HOT. No, no. Mommy said HOT!
• Let’s get you in your high chair. Oh, please don’t wiggle out of your seat!
• I need another outfit; she just threw up on herself. Did you check the dryer for a clean one?
• Where’s her sippy cup? Still in the car? Then they all must be there!
• Where did I put the dustpan? And the broom…Honey, why are you chewing on the dirty broom?
• Don’t get too close to the edge. You’re going to…oh no, the baby fell! Someone get me an ice pack!
• She lost her shoe again. Why do we even bother getting her shoes?
• What’s that? Don’t eat that old Fruit Loop! We haven’t bought those in months!
• What’s wrong? Daddy’s just giving me a hug…don’t cry, sweetheart. Daddy can hug Mommy.
• Get your mouth off of that; it’s dirty. Ugh, germs everywhere. She’ll have a fever by morning.
• Where’s the remote? Someone get her the remote!
• Can I have my phone back? Oh great, locked out for 14 minutes. Fantastic.
• Who took down the baby gate? Seriously?
• Get down from there. You’re going to fall!
• Pull the blanket away from her face.
• The pacifier fell? That’s fine; let me just lick it…all good!
• I need to find the vacuum. Which room did I leave it in?
• Honey, if you keep bucking on the floor, you’ll hurt yourself.
• The fan is HOT. Don’t touch it!
• Don’t pull that cord out. No, don’t chew on the charger. I swear, I really swear!
• Who deleted Bubble Guppies? Are you kidding me? Is one coming on soon?
• Sit still so I can buckle you in, please!
• Don’t slam the door, watch your fingers!
• How did you get that? Danger! Put that back, please! That’s Mommy’s cleaning supplies!
• Honey, get out of the cupboard. No, don’t throw that! Too late, it’s already on the floor!
• Baby, go back to sleep. Do you want to go night-night?
• Let’s go to bed. It’s sleepy time. Mommy loves you. Stay in your crib!
• One more kiss and snuggle. I’ll see you in the morning. Here’s your pacifier.
• Goodnight, sweetheart. You’re so tired, just lay your head down.
• Here’s your binky. Shhh. Let me rub your head. It’s late. Shhh. Go night-night.
• Fine, you win. Just come to our bed…where I get kicked, hit, and flailed upon with little hope for uninterrupted rest.

I would happily watch a diaper or coffee commercial that accurately portrays this reality. Yes, parenting a 1-year-old is utterly exhausting, and I’m seriously considering hiring a crew to film a commercial that represents the real deal.

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In summary, parenting a 1-year-old is a whirlwind of chaos, concern, and endless energy. While the commercials paint a pretty picture, the reality is filled with constant vigilance and love in equal measure.