Knowing that the challenges of motherhood goes beyond infancy and the 1 year old stage, mom and counselor identifies common issues that emerge in the toddler stage based on her experiences.
Mom and perinatal mental health counselor Jessica Pizzo talked to Insider and expressed how toddler years have its own unique and difficult challenges.
Having experienced her own challenges when her son was born four years ago without no one to talk to about these challenges, she decided to start a support group for moms with children from zero to three years old, where they can all work through all these baby to toddler transitions together. It was in this community that she was able to identify the common issues in the toddler stage.
Now that she has victoriously overcome the toddler years, she wants to share her learnings, specifically what moms of toddlers need to know. As she emphasized, parents can have more parenting power in simply naming and recognizing" the truths.
What mothers of toddlers should know
Here are the five truths that will be of great help for moms who are navigating that toddler stage, as compiled by Yahoo News.
1. Changes in relationship are normal and expected
The toddler years can be filled with a lot of changes for mothers. Moms' relationship with their children changes as the latter grow. Relationships with one's partner changes as both navigate parenting and disciplining kids together. Family and friends' relationships will also change as boundaries are set and one becomes more proactive on choosing the ways, the values, and approach of raising the kids.
2. Mommy, prepared to be triggered
A toddler's behavior can be triggering. That is a fact every toddler's mother should embrace. There is simply no way around it. Thus, it is important that they recognize what specifically triggers and challenges them in parenting. It will also help a lot that they have trusted communities or just even one trusted person that they can honestly talk to about it.
And this is important mommies - when you don't react well, be guilty but just for a while, and then forgive yourself and move on.
3. Mothers need not figure it all out
Sometimes, when children become more independent, mothers begin to "search for their own identity within motherhood." Mothers need to understand that they are in a temporary state of flux - everything is swiftly and constantly changing. Have patience and compassion, not only for the children, but also for the partners and especially for one's self.
Read Also: 5 Little Milestones of Toddlers And What They Mean
4. Self-care is a must.
"In the grand scheme of things, the infant stage is a sprint, while toddlerhood is a marathon. You have to take care of yourself to get through the long haul," Pizzo reminds mothers. And, being part of the community, like her support group "Braving New Motherhood," is the best way to do just that, she added.
She cannot highlight enough how there is such power in being able to open up and share experiences and ask questions, and in getting support from co-mommies who are going through the exact challenges and confusions.
5. Mommy, trust your gut
Especially in this day and age, mothers are finding so much pressure from the sometimes all too perfect images of motherhood on social media. Stop the guilt and comparison.
Pizzo emphasized that mothers have everything the kids will ever have within themselves. Thus, they just need to trust their gut.
In closing, Pizzo would want moms to know that though the toddler years bring a lot of challenges, it also brings a lot of opportunities to explore one's belief and values around parenting. It is a rich source, not just of learning, but also of confidence to parent, enabling mothers to handle any parenting challenges life throws at them.
Related Article: Allow Your Toddlers To Have Meltdowns: Healthy for Baby, Great Opportunity for Parents
