The day starts with the dawn and goes on…and on. Your little one keeps you non-stop busy, yet somehow the time doesn’t fly. “Will it ever be naptime?”, you think. And finally when naptime comes it is over so quickly, you barely finish your tea, there’s nothing out of the freezer for dinner and it’s too late to go to the bank and pay your bills. Long, long days that are over before you can accomplish anything — that’s what life with a toddler can feel like.

Pay yourself first

Don’t forget “mommy care” is first and the foremost important thing. When nap time arrives and you’re torn between having a much-needed rest yourself and doing the much-needed vacuuming, go for the nap! Your well-being is more important than a tidy house. Remember to feed yourself too — use your child’s snack time or lunch as a chance to sit down and refuel.

Create a flexible routine

Toddlers like to know what’s going on, and a fairly stable daily routine helps them make those hard transitions from one activity to another. On the other hand, be prepared to change direction when the routine’s not working. Maybe you all need to get out of the house, or maybe your child needs a cuddle with a story rather than the planned shopping trip.

Get moving, preferably outside

Little kids need lots of large-motor activity, and it does you good too. Time spent outdoors has a definite tendency to lead to happier, better-behaved kids who fall asleep more easily at night!

Take it easy

Talk with your toddler about your day, so she knows what’s coming up next. Gather up the things you’ll need for an outing ahead of time — packed diaper bag, wallet, vehicle keys — and then allow plenty of time so shoes and jacket can go on in an unhurried, fun way.

Involve toddlers in your chores

It takes a little creativity, but toddlers can “help” throw laundry in the dryer or sort the dry clothes, hold a sheet corner while you make a bed or carry the cutlery to the sink. And they usually like to do it. Alternatively, have some side-by-side activities available, like the traditional “play cupboard” in the kitchen. The more you can turn your work into their play, the more chance you have for nap time to be true downtime for you.

Get connected

At this age, contact with other parents and kids can be such a lifeline. Go to a drop-in play program or library storytime, start a playgroup or just set up a regular coffee date with a friend. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy — just a chance to talk with someone older than two!

Call in a favour

If you just can’t stand the mess in the house, really need to shop for a dress, don’t be embarrassed to ask a neighbour or family member to take your child to the park for a couple of hours. A new parent’s need for support doesn’t magically disappear when the baby turns three months. In fact, life with a toddler may be even busier and more tiring. You deserve a hand!

Keep your eye on the ball

Your child, will never be an ever needy, fascinating and oh-so-lovable toddler again. Just to watch them discovering the world, it’s fantastic. Enjoy it. Don’t make yourself guilty about everything else. Cleaning your house and your own grooming can be postpones.