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The toddlerhood stage is known to be the most challenging for many parents. These are the years when a child rapidly develops in various ways, making them curious and eager to explore, which can be hard to keep up with. Not to mention the tantrums they throw as they go through such a major transitional period. 

In hopes of providing support and a splash of humor, these parenthood struggles and more are perfectly captured on the Facebook page Toddler Memes. Scroll down to find the realest posts that should serve as a huge token of appreciation for parents who are raising the next generation!

While you're at it, don't forget to check out a conversation with Child Development Specialist Ilene Beth Miller, M.S. Ed., and author of "My Child Is Special Needs...Now What?" who kindly agreed to answer a few questions about toddlerhood.

The toddler age group is generally considered to start at one year old and come to a close when a child turns 3. “There are no strict upper limits, but we consider toddlers one to 3 and preschool 3 to 5,” says Dina DiMaggio, MD, a pediatrician and official spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Interestingly enough, the term toddler comes from the 19th century and is derived from the Scottish verb ‘toddle,’ which means "to run or walk with short, unsteady steps"—quite an accurate description of one- and two-year-olds. Just like how memes capture the essence of everyday life, the term "toddler" perfectly encapsulates this charming yet clumsy stage of early childhood development.


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At this stage, a child is just beginning to grasp the sense of who they are. Reaching various milestones and behavioral developments is a natural part of it. From 1 to 2 years old, toddlers begin to hone their fine and gross motor skills, such as walking, finding hidden objects, pointing to things when they’re named, and sorting shapes and colors. 

"Toddler’s vocabulary is expanding as well as being able to reference themselves along with “mommy” and “daddy.” They are also able to start seeing themselves as individuals amongst others," says Child Development Specialist Ilene Beth Miller, M.S. Ed., to Bored Panda.

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At the end of toddlerhood, children tend to go through a surge of independence. This is often known as the "terrible twos"—a time when they start to exhibit challenging behaviors as they test boundaries and seek autonomy.

"This stage for toddlers centers around a sense of self. Behavior can be misinterpreted, and thus the “terrible twos” are a result of what parents may make reference to," explains Miller.

At this point, toddlers typically start playing with peers, know more than 200 words, and use two to three to form a sentence. They also begin displaying problem-solving skills, understand cause and effect, and learn their first name and age.

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Grudge-holding Treefrog
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4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s about right. My sister and my cousin once ran over me in a mini jeep. Ah, the joys of childhood

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Fussy1
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And cross your fingers that damn dj wouldn't talk over it if you were trying to record. I'm sure the arthritis in my hands is from keeping my fingers poised to hit record button at any second.

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Along with newfound skills and independence, there comes an outpour of tantrums. This is totally standard, as it’s largely because they understand and feel more than they can express using words, often leading to frustration. There’s a heightened chance of them happening when kids are tired, hungry, or uncomfortable.

Miller also mentions that something else parents might expect is their kid always saying "no." "The child is starting to realize that they have some autonomy and independence," she says.

Toddlers can exhibit more aggressive behaviors like screaming, running away, shoving, hitting, biting, and pulling hair, too. "These are the “by-products” of a toddler learning how to explore the world, lack of self-control. They are learning language skills in addition to how they process feelings that are bigger than themselves at that moment," Miller explains.

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Zephyr
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you want to make it worse tell them never to repeat it

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JoinMeZoe
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"If you want me to take him back, pay 500,000 dollars in cash by midnight.

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“By age three, the child’s brain is actually twice as active as an adult’s. It has some 15,000 synapses or connections per neuron, many more than in the adult brain,” says Alison Gopnik, a cognitive psychologist at the University of California. This means that a toddler is processing a lot of information daily. It’s important to keep this in mind and remain understanding when they express their big emotions through meltdowns or tantrums.

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xolitaire
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's like that freshly washed dog blanket that the poor dog has to roll around in to make it smell right again

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To avoid such challenging behavior, it’s a good idea to give positive attention and reward the little ones when they exhibit positive behavior. Parents should also give toddlers some control over some things, like choosing between apple or orange juice and brushing their teeth before or after taking a bath.

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Zephyr
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The moral of the story is promise kids nothing do not negotiate with emotional or financial baby terrorists

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To further support their independence, it can be helpful to offer them chores around the house, like throwing away pieces of trash, cleaning up spills, letting them transfer clothes from the washer to the dryer, unloading the dishwasher, helping to fold laundry, or setting the table for dinner.

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Alyssa Phillips
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup. Or the cat. We hear pitter pats while laying down and go completely still waiting for either the meow or the door opening. And pray it's the meow.

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Zephyr
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mother: Junior!!! Where are my scissors.....you better not have flushed them again Child: mum, you said I should cut that c**p out

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SparkDragon
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unless you want them to come and say 'hello', then they're far too busy.

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Miller advises teaching a child the language required to communicate his or her needs. "They also need to learn and practice problem-solving skills," she adds. Consistency is equally important as well. "Be consistent in making sure that your child’s challenging behaviors are no longer effective."

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Thom Serveaux
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This wouldn't have happened if they'd just worn their seatbelt.

Lene
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like a scene from Bluey when Rita and Jane are driving/parking... whatever they do. (I suppose Rita and Jane are the old lady-names they have in the English version as well?)

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Lastly, parents’ best bet is to keep them busy by visiting zoos and child-friendly museums, going to the park, or reading together. However, patience is key when encouraging them to expand their curiosity. “Try to allow space to get into your toddler’s mind to see what they’re thinking and experiencing, and try to see the world with the same wonder they do. They have a lot to teach us,” says psychologist Dan Peters, PhD.

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Lil Miss Hobbit
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom told us this over and over and over again with my youngest sister. "Her strong will is a good thing, just help her get it in the right direction." My mom was wise.

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TheElderNom
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My aunt and cousin had eaten a meal at a restaurant when my heavily pregnant aunt wanted to sit for a while longer and finish her sprite. My cousin said loudly with tears in her eyes "Mommy, could you please stop drinking?!"

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Mrs Irish Mom
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

😂🤣😂🤣 i did this on a wall when i was younger, i was baffled when my mam gave out to me and i said it was one of my siblings 🙈

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Geoffrey Scott
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Went to visit my Sis and BIL in Florida from Michigan. BIL was watching me clean the car "so you had raisins for them on the way down"..."grapes, we had grapes for them on the way down"

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SparkDragon
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, because Bluey is actually a show for parents, disguised as a kids' programme.

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Kalikima
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3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never last that long.. after the 4th time, gentle mommy goes away, and Drill Sargent mommy shows up..

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LaserBrain
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't like that photo because it makes me think of a public service announcement about domestic abuse, which is not funny at all

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justagirl
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and this is why you don't give free internet access to three year olds. They can romp around with the neighbors or something.

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Zephyr
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can I do something easier like I dunno curing cancer and ending world hunger

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SparkDragon
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why their dinner gets put aside until they go to bed "you're hungry? OK, come sit back down and have some more dinner" "but I'm not 'dinner' hungry" 🤦🏼‍♀️

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Alyssa Phillips
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And I want a convo with whoever invented kinetic sand. Starts as a ball of play doh and as soon as you put it down slowly disintegrates into glitter.

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Bored something
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My kids get raw capsicum or carrot sticks to munch on if it's in dinner prep time.

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Zephyr
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cherish these moments for soon their room might be their world

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emily_harvey116
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4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But when you're a stay-at-home-mom, it's considered "time away from the house" 😡

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Zephyr
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kid : gaze upon the field in which I plant my f***s and see that it is barren

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JoMeBee
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And that, my friends, is why you don't give your kids everything they wanted". Not to mention that typed of kid turns into the Karen's and Chads of the world...

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Zephyr
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3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh you sweet summer child ask a toddler what they've got in their mouth and witness a toddler moving at light speed

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Kalikima
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, I don't bake.. I guess I'm not the fun mom..