10 Ways Teens And Toddlers Are Alike

I am a lioness of a Mother.  I love my girls fiercely and would do anything……yup, just about anything to protect them.  I’m proud of my girls, all they have done and the young adults they are becoming.  All that said, these girls, are exhausting in good ways and (sorry kids) sometimes bad.  Sigh.  Here are the ways teenagers and toddlers are very much alike.

1. When toddlers don’t get their sleep, they can unleash a flurry of grumpy on you the likes of which may shock you to your very core.  Same with teens.  Don’t ever wake up a sleeping toddler or teen.  It’s just not worth it.  These little people need their sleep.
2. Both “rob” you of your sleep.  As toddlers grow they wake up in the middle of the night and demand love and attention.  Teens decide they are a part vampire and want to stay out all hours of the night – so you have to stay up waiting for them, you know because you love them, and want to make sure they make it home safe and sound.  No more shut-eye for you Mama!
3. Ask a toddler to put away their toys and a temper tantrum may ensue.  Same with teens.  The floor of a toddlers bedroom and a stressed-out teenager are remarkably similar, the only difference is toys and lego pieces from hell on one floor vs magazines and clothes and ranchy Starbucks cups in the other.
4. They both grow like weeds!  Toddlers and teens seemingly outgrow their clothes overnight.
5. Both have the gift of selective hearing.  They “can’t hear you” until they are good and ready.
6. They both have Superman complexes.  Toddlers and teens believe they are completely invincible.  Toddlers take their turn jumping off staircases and bounding downstairs, teens do all manner of stupid things.
7. A toddlers palate can be quite discriminating.  You may think you’re succeeding at feeding the toddler a well-balanced diet until they see their enemy.  The VEGETABLE.  Teens?  The fridge can be stuffed full with $300.00 worth of groceries and they still can find “nothing to eat”.  Over the top frustrating.
8. Both teens and toddlers are ALWAYS hungry.
9. Teens are toddlers both lead with their hearts and have the, deepest, sweetest laughs.  Ever.
10. Cookies and milk – have magic power for both groups – warm chocolate chip cookies just make things seem a little brighter.

No matter what age or stage your “babies” might be right now, I hope you find a way to slow down, (get a little sleep) and enjoy the ride.  Hugs to the Mom’s who need it today, and three cheers to all the strong-willed, determined, tenacious toddlers and teens out there.  One day these fantastic people will rule the world.