As a second-time mum, the most important thing I've learned is that I am still learning the ropes (and probably always will be).
That’s okay, though, because every child is different.
The transition from one toddler to two has been the most incredible, challenging and rewarding time. We are thoroughly enjoying watching our kids grow into independent little boys full to the brim of personality and energy — oh the energy!
When our second little boy, Archie, came into the world, I thought we would have had it all figured out. Because, you know, we'd done this before. However, we quickly learned that while our boys are similar in some ways, they also have unique qualities special to them.
This became even more apparent when our youngest moved into his second year.
One of Archie’s first words was “no” and when it comes to parenting, the word “no” can wear thin pretty quickly (especially when they say “no” but really, they mean “yes”).
With Archie and his older brother, Arlo, our home is pretty damn busy — and maybe a little chaotic, too — yet we wouldn't change a thing.
But, in the midst of all that chaos, there are three things I've learned during my youngest's second year.
1. A toddler's diet is a roller-coaster ride.
As a mum, I only want the best diet for my boys.
Some days we win. Think broccoli, carrots, banana, a clean plate, and nothing on the floor.
Other days, it's well... a bit bumpy. Think ‘beige’. We're talking pasta, potato, chips, rice, and bread (most of which is smothered in tomato sauce and on the floor).
I used to worry about the 'beige' days, however, as a second-time mum I have learned not to stress the small stuff. For me, it is all about balance.
On those days, I remind myself that there are other options, including a2 Platinum Premium Toddler Milk Drink which is specially formulated to supplement a toddler's diet.
It contains 16 essential vitamins and minerals to help support growth and development, such as vitamin A, D and zinc. It also contains ingredients such as folate, to support a healthy immune system and calcium for the growth of healthy bones and teeth — all while filling the gaps on those dreaded 'beige' days.
But the thing I've learned most about my toddler's roller-coaster of a diet? It passes. And so does the 'beige' phase.
2. Heading back to work is possible.
I was always excited to go back to the workforce after having my kids.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved my time at home with them and I spend a lot of my workday showing my colleagues photos of my kids on my phone. But the prospect of having adult conversations, a hot coffee and even a toilet break in peace is very enticing.
However, before I even got there, there was a time when it just didn't seem possible. The thought itself was overwhelming, and I didn't really have a clue where to actually start.
But I quickly realised that your community — your family, friends and work colleagues — are there to support you.
I'm lucky enough to have an understanding boss who recognises returning to work after having kids isn't an easy process for all parents.
So, something that I felt made my transition back into the workforce that little bit easier was starting the conversation early with my company, setting expectations for both parties and being flexible.
By starting the conversation early it meant we had time to negotiate, to come up with a plan and to find something that worked well on both ends.
Don’t leave it to the last minute, plan ahead.
3. Less is more.
I have come to realise that less really is more, and it’s the small moments in between that is where the lifelong memories are made.
When we had Arlo, I went to every play group, play date, rhyme time, swimming lesson, and music class. While the days were full, we were all so tired and I could barely remember who we spoke to or what we did.
As Archie was born during the pandemic, all activities were cancelled and so we had to create our own fun and look for new ideas to entertain ourselves.
We spent less time with strangers and more time with people that we love.
It's the most cherished lesson I've learned.
By doing less, we had more time for conversation, for reading books and for immersing ourselves in every moment of Archie as a toddler and that is priceless. Do less and you gain a lot more.
a2 Platinum Premium Toddler Milk Drink is specially formulated to support a toddler's diet. With 16 essential vitamins and minerals, it helps growing tummies.
Keep in mind that every child is unique and will develop at a different rate so this information should be used as a general guide only. If you have specific questions or concerns, talk to a health professional. Click here to learn more.
Feature Image: Supplied.
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