5. Find Your Joy

There’s a certain magic about being a toddler. Not only do the messes you make get cleaned up whenever you leave the room, but life just seems more impressive. Toddlers can find joy in anything. Playing in the sunshine, splashing in rainy day puddles, laughing at a silly face. Adults might seem as though they’ve lost that job, but really it’s just waiting to be found. Try and create moments of happiness and joy for yourself, even if that means changing your routine to fit them in. And be present to catch those little moments of magic in the day, from your favourite song being on the radio, to hitting all the green lights on your commute.

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6. Be Clear About Wants

When it comes to knowing what they want, toddlers definitely have a good idea. If you have a toddler, or you’ve ever been standing within 10 metres of one, you’ll know as soon as they want something because they articulate that, loudly. Grown-ups do find this hard, but the fact remains that those who don’t ask, don’t get. So whatever it is that you want, don’t keep it in. Use as much adult decorum as you can muster (because frankly toddlers do not have that sorted out) and just ask for it. Who knows, your life could be a whole new experience.

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7. Get Help

In the same thread as asking for what you want comes the idea of getting help when you need it. Sure, toddlers are stubborn, but when they need a hand, they’ll always ask for it. Why? Because getting something done is more important to them than necessarily doing it themselves (most of the time). Of course kids do have an “I’ll do it” stage, and so do adults. The only difference is the adult one goes forever, and is hard to break. Next time, don’t be hesitant about asking for help when you need it. Nobody will judge you for being unable to handle it all, so accept help and not guilt.

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8. Embrace Nap-time

Ok, we know that not all toddlers embrace nap-time. In fact, some go into it as if you’re attempting to sacrifice them to the gods of screaming. But, once they’re in it, nap-time is fantastic. Not only do they wake refreshed and renewed, but it provides a great way for them to just chill in a manic day. That’s exactly why we think you should be doing it. If you’ve got kids at home, take a 20-30 min power nap around lunchtime. You’ll wake up feeling much better, and your mood and alertness are sure to improve. If you’re working, try and fit in a nap (or two) on the weekends instead!