This weekend was rather low-key around here. We did chores, we swam in the lake, we tried not to read too much of the news (as my heart is breaking for Orlando and this world we live in) and we cheered when we heard wonderful news for our family. With the emotional ups and downs, it was nice to just be hanging out with my little family, chatting with David and playing with the girls.
Speaking of the girls, Kaitlyn is seems to be embracing her “two” label quite strongly lately. Though she is still the sweetest little cuddle bug, moments are coming more frequently when I try to pour her water into the “wrong” cup or have trouble explaining why I can’t hold her as I am reaching into the oven. It keeps me on my toes.
It made me think back to Hailey at two and how she never really hit that infamous terrible twos phase. At age three, she definitely got a little more attitude and I fully understood the hilariously accurate threenager label. We spent the year working on communicating feelings and eventually largely ditching the TV which both helped. People kept saying that when they turn four years old that a flip just switches and the tantrums go away.
Well, Hailey turned four but still knew how to throw a whopper. Occasionally she’d still whip out some sass. Typical kid stuff I told myself. Then around four and a half, things just changed.
I started noticing small things, like moments that would have made her lose her cool previously, she was able to take in stride. She suddenly seemed more capable of recognizing her feelings and was more able to appropriately act on them.
The tantrums came far less often and her ability to entertain herself, something I think she’s always been fairly good at, expanded. Suddenly she was playing with legos and building magnatile towers by herself for over an hour at a time.
She creates stories in her mind and belts out songs she makes up on the spot. Beyond that, you can tell she’s just getting older. She says the funniest things, and not just little kid silly things, witty, observant things that show her conceptualization and creativity are developing beyond the here and now.
As her mom, it’s incredible to see her mind developing so rapidly. I feel there is no other way to describe it all rather than that switch just flipped at four and half years old.
Now don’t get me wrong, she still is that sweet, goofy girl too, with buckets of personality.
She has her moments of frustration and I’m sure we haven’t seen her last tantrum (but then again, have I even had my last tantrum? David would probably tell you no…).
Still, she’s understanding what it means to have responsibilities and voluntarily helps pick things up and offers her assistance to her sister without me asking.
I always feared I’d get sad as my babies got older. Wouldn’t I miss the true baby stage so much?
I certainly have moments where I wouldn’t mind a little sleeping baby curled up on my chest, but having the honor of watching my kids get smarter, kinder, more thoughtful and funnier firsthand?
It’s incredible.
I’ve truly embraced and loved every stage thus far, and only hope I can continue to say with confidence that this is my favorite stage yet. Because right now, it rings true and I’m grateful everyday that I get to be the mom of this smart, thoughtful, funny, observant, cautious yet brave, beautiful little girl.
Take this as my assurance that if you are battling the terrible twos or are in the midst of daily battles with your threenager, a switch will flip. Stay consistent and loving, take a deep breath for patience, pour yourself a glass of wine at the end (middle?) of the day and hang in there, because a switch will most definitely switch and you’ll left staring in amazement at the child you’re raising.
Parents, what was the most challenging age for you?
What is one thing about your child that amazes you?
Christine says
I have a 19-month old and he always seems to amaze me! The way he retains information blows my mind (as a first time parent I never know what to expect) and he just seems to be learning and growing more and more each month that passes by. As much as I miss his chubby, baby self, I love being able to interact with him and teach him new things and seem him reciprocate those things. However, his tantrums have already appeared as he tries to find how much independence he really has with my husband and I! He keeps me on my toes!
Kristen says
I love this, Brittany! My Addie turned 3 in April. And although she is still mostly my sweet little girl, we have our moments when she turns into that ‘threenager.” So I love reading that things do get better. I love the stage we’re in, but I look forward to when my daughters get older, too! <3
Cassie says
Mine is 9 months. The first 6 months were awful!
Briana Lucas says
I have a 3.5 YO, a 19 month old (both girls) and currently 24 weeks with baby #3, a boy. They say not to pick favorites, but I do some days. I can’t help it. My 19 month old is a gem compared to my 3.5 YO lately. Reading this helps put my mind at ease that eventually it will get better. There are days where the 3.5 YO is amazing, and loving, and caring, and there are days where I think, what did I do wrong to make her like this today. I need to work on not reacting so quickly to her crazy tantrums. Everyone has a bad day. I need to learn to be more caring and accepting of her emotions. Thanks for posting, I love your blog, and can always relate pretty closely to what your day to day routine looks like with two young girls!
Brittany Dixon says
Congrats on baby #3 Briana! Believe me, there have been days I’ve wondered if I’m raising an ungrateful and whiny child, but they’ve usually coincided with her feeling tired or me pushing her limits too far. Whatever the reason, they happen, so high fives for solidarity. And keep hanging in there because slowly the tantrums really do seem to fade away! Thanks for your comment 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I plan on locking her in her room from age 13-16. 😉
Karen says
HAHAHA, thats funny.
Good luck!
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl says
I don’t have kids (yet) but it seems like there is SO MUCH you learn from them, in addition to teaching them 🙂
Jill says
Boy, I really needed this today! I have spent a long, challenging day with my threenager!!! I’m glad to know there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you!
Maggie says
Real talk: For a long time, I didn’t know whether I’d ever want kids. Being with my boyfriend has changed my mind (because he’d be an amazing dad) and as we talk about getting hitched and settling down, I realize that I actually really do want to raise a few bambinos. Ideally a houseful of boys.
The thought of daughters still scared the sh!t out of me. I could not imagine how to raise a little girl and have it be anything but a lifelong battle of wills and constant terror that she’d end up haunted by the same demons as me. Somehow, reading your posts about your girls makes raising daughters seem less of a burden to fear and more of a privilege to enjoy if we end up with girls down the road. So thank you for sharing!♡
Chantal says
My daughter is four and a half, and it’s frustrating and wonderful at the same time. She has a sassy attitude a lot, but dang, she says some funny things! I love watching her grow.
Brynn says
I noticed this ‘switch’ with my niece who is around the same age. She is more confident, cool and independent lately. My son is 20 months and is starting to push his limits – part of growing, but also frustrating at times for both of us!
Pamela says
I agree. They are so sweet at that age. Enjoy it. Because then they hit teen years it can get rocky. I love the 4-7 years. They are such sponges and they can fully communicate.
Kelli says
I had the opposite my daughter was the easiest toddler preschooler everything Then….puberty it has been He$$ and that’s putting it lightly we joke every morning its like a box of chocolates you never know what you are going to get with her.!
Brittany Dixon says
Which leggings? My workout ones are Fabletics and the girls’ I usually get at Target 😉
sherry says
Loved the blog and seeing the pictures and commentary of sweet Hailey. Each age brings on more fun and different challenges–enjoy them all!