Raising a threenager

I think we all can agree that parenting is hard. Kids are little s**** some times (okay most times) and some days happy hour is at 5am instead of 5pm. However, lucky number three is hands down the most mentally and emotionally exhausting age. Cue the raising of a threenager, welcome to my whole new world.

Three year olds like to test you. They see your last nerve and they touch it, oh they touch it alright. They ask why 5 million times and then when they aren't happy with the answer, they cry. They cry and scream and turn themselves around, that's what its all about. Yeah I wish they did the hokey pokey but really its the tantrum pokey and instead of clapping everyone is crying (including me). Raising a threenager is easy though, its just like riding a bike expect the bike is on fire, the road is on fire, you're on fire, EVERYTHING is on fire. Yeah, easy right?

My daughter is 3 going on 13. There are some days I just stare at her trying to think if I heard what she said correctly or not because the sass is so strong with this one. If I had a dollar for everytime she back talked me or tried to pick a fight with me, I could retire by the time I am 30. And yes you read that correct, my 3 year old likes to pick fights with me. The other day for example I told her it snowed out and she told me nope its 80 and sunny, and then continued screaming that at me until every last ounce of patience I had was drained. I mean I can't really blame her for that one though, I was wishing pretty hard it was 80 and sunny out too as I shoveled the driveway. But seriously, you name it, my girl will fight me on it.

Honestly, 3 year olds are little a**holes. They eat your food, tell you don't look good and throw tantrums just about anywehere and everywhere. They don't care if you don't have time for it, they will make time. Wanted to get in and out of that store in 5 minutes? Good one, keep telling yourself that as they throw a tantrum right there on the floor because you told them they can't get a dog toy for themselves or you know a dog bone to eat. Yes that has happened, kids are weird. rwise in my ears daily. Raising a threenager has it's perks though I will say. They will tell you if you look bad, if there's something wrong with your face (fun one when you struggle with acne) and they will eat all your food, because apparently the meal you spent hours slaving away on for them wasn't good enough.

Honestly, 3 year olds are little a**holes. They eat your food, say you you don't look good and throw tantrums just about anywhere and everywhere. They don't care if you don't have time for it, they will make time. Wanted to get in and out of that store in 5 minutes? Good one, keep telling yourself that as they throw a tantrum right there on the floor because you told them they can't get a dog toy for themselves or you know a dog bone to eat. Yes that has happened, kids are weird.

However challenging this age has been and continues to be though, I wouldn't trade it for the world. Raising a threenageer has made me stronger, even though that's probably from all the times I have had to pick her up and carry her off the floor from a tantrum, I will take it. There has been lots of laughs and sweet moments too though, from her telling me she's thankful for me this year to the countless times I have watched her help or be kind to another, the threes have been the most beautifully challenging age.

As we rapidly approach birthday number 4 (time slow down please), I will look back and thank God for all raising a threenager has taught the both of us. For all the tears, hugs and lessons learned that have made the both of us stronger and better because of them. For each sunrise and sunset I got to experience with my girl and for another wonderful year on this earth. Raising a threenager is hard work but at the end of the day it is so worth it. Trust me.

My sweet Addison, one day we will look back on the three's when you are all grown and laugh about it, that day is not today. Or tomorrow. But I know unforuntely it will be here before we know it, so until then I will keep begging time to slow down even though I know it wont, and I will continue not taking a single second for granted I have with you. Keep being the strong willed, sassy, smart, kind hearted, hilarious and beautiful (inside and out) young girl you are. The world needs more girls like you. I love you more then you will ever know.

Picture credit to Truly Sublime Photography