HOW TO LIVE WITH A TODDLER WITHOUT GOING INSANE When I was pregnant with my daughter, I remember hearing a woman who worked in the cubicle across from me discussing with her friend why she didn’t want any more children. She said “Oh, I wouldn’t mind having another baby; I just don’t want another toddler.” At the time, my son was just turning four, so I was rounding the toddler corner, and I thought “What’s the big deal about toddlers?” Well, my daughter’s two and a half now, and now I remember. Toddlers are demanding, loud, moody, temperamental, dirty and stubborn. Living with them is no walk in the park. But, there are things you can do to make it easier. AVOID THE OBVIOUSLY ROOKIE MISTAKES Like leaving your red lipstick on the coffee table. You have no one to blame but yourself when Picasso scribbles his masterpiece on your white sofa. ESTABLISH A ROUTINE I can’t say this enough – toddlers need routines. Otherwise, their busy, messy little lives are a complete mystery to them. They don’t have much to cling to at this age, so it’s good to know that nap comes right after lunch. Every day. FEED THEM WELL Toddlers are ornery enough without the help of sugar. Stick to milk, diluted juice or water to drink, and avoid sugary cereals and snacks. TAKE A BREAK Find someone to watch your child so you can get away on a regular basis. Find a playgroup or a babysitter, or just leave the little one with Dad on Saturday mornings so that you can have a little time to yourself. GET OUT OF THE HOUSE When you’re toddler is driving you nuts - go somewhere. You’ll be amazed at how a change of scenery can sometimes make a world of difference to both of you. Go to the park, or, if the weather’s bad, go to an indoor mall and walk around. You may find that the distraction is enough make your toddler knock off the bad behavior for a while. When you feel like you’re ready to pull your hair out- don’t forget that this, too, shall pass. While it may seem like an eternity, children are toddlers for a very short time. And, along with all the messes and the temper tantrums comes a sweet, curious little cherub who adores you. You’re just helping them figure out this very confusing, very big, world, one toddler step at a time.