Motherhood can feel like an endless whirlwind of tasks and emotions, especially when you have a toddler at your feet. Between the mountain of to-dos, the fussy little one demanding attention, and all the details that come with managing a home, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. However, there is peace to be found right in the heart of those busy moments.

Let Them Help
Sometimes, the very thing our toddlers want is to simply be a part of what we are doing. They want to be involved and feel included in the rhythms of our day. Whether it is folding laundry, stirring a pot, or wiping down a table, find small tasks they can help with. I have found that slowing down and letting my little ones join in has not only made the day go smoother, but also created precious moments together. And guess what? They are often way more capable than we give them credit for! Letting them take part builds their confidence and helps you both feel more connected.

Pause to Enjoy It
It is easy to rush through the day, just trying to get everything done. However, when we slow down and let ourselves be present, those moments with our children become less about the mess or the work and more about the love and joy of being together. The dishes can wait a little longer, the toys will get picked up eventually, but these early years with your little ones will pass by all too fast. Find the joy in letting them stir the pancake batter or sort the laundry. It does not have to be perfect, but it can be peaceful.

Embrace the Chaos
One thing that helped me when my kids were smaller was realizing that peace does not mean everything is calm and quiet. Sometimes, peace is simply accepting the noise, the mess, and the moments of chaos as part of the journey. Motherhood brings a different kind of peace, one that settles deep in your heart when you stop fighting the little things. It is about letting go of perfection and finding joy in the messy, beautiful process.

Getting Through a Meltdown
When you are in the middle of a toddler meltdown, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are a few simple tricks that might help:

1. Stay Calm – Your child will feed off your emotions. If you can remain calm, it will help them settle down faster.
2. Offer Choices – Giving your toddler a choice, even between two small options, can help them feel more in control and calm the situation.
3. Redirect Their Attention – Sometimes, a distraction can be all it takes. Offer a favorite toy or engage them in a new activity to shift their focus.
4. Deep Breaths Together – Teach your toddler to take deep breaths with you. This not only helps them calm down but also models a healthy coping mechanism for stress.

Book Recommendation:

I also want to share something that really helped me during those toddler years: the book Midnight Lullabies: Moments of Peace for Moms. It offers gentle encouragement for when you are in the thick of it, reminding you that you are not alone. It helped me so much when my children were smaller, and I hope it brings you the same comfort.

You can find the book here.

You’ve got this, mama. Keep going, and don’t forget to breathe.