March 19, 2023
Books and parenting blogs prepare you for the sleepless nights and endless diaper changes that come with a newborn. While no one is truly ready to welcome a delicate new life into their home, I felt fairly equipped after absorbing all the advice from seasoned parents. I knew breastfeeding would be challenging and that “rock, paper, scissors” would be a suitable method for splitting up diaper duty.
However, no one warned me about the sheer challenge of parenting a two-year-old—especially one who has the speed of a track star. It wasn’t until my son turned about 18 months that I realized I was nurturing a future Olympic sprinter. Suddenly, every outing required meticulous planning to identify all possible exits, tiny spaces he could dart through, and the perilous distance from the car to the entrance.
His running phase kicked off just as I was expecting my second child. This made outings a real challenge, as my burgeoning belly impeded my ability to sprint after him. He wasn’t purposely fleeing from me; he was simply testing boundaries in parks and museums, slipping through areas I couldn’t fit.
Things escalated when his baby brother arrived. My eldest knew perfectly well that our cumbersome stroller made it impossible for me to chase him up a set of stairs. And then there were the handicap buttons—oh, the joy of watching him press those while running backward with a mischievous grin, seemingly daring me to keep up.
Fast forward to ten months later: my toddler is still full of energy, seemingly powered by an endless battery. He has outgrown the phase of acting out due to a new sibling, but now he runs for no apparent reason while amusingly chanting “walking feet, walking feet!” Ironically, I’m the one who’s worn out from all the chasing, yet I see no visible benefits from it—where are my toned legs like Carrie Underwood’s, or Michelle Obama’s arms from carrying him when he kicks and screams?
While I’m grateful for a son brimming with vitality who can dash two miles without a second thought, I can’t help but feel utterly exhausted.
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Summary
Parenting a speedy toddler can be an exhausting experience, especially when they seem to have an endless supply of energy. While preparations for a new baby often include sleepless nights and diaper changes, the real challenge emerges when you find yourself chasing after an active two-year-old. Finding humor and resilience in the chaos is essential as you navigate this unique parenting journey.
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