If you ever want to know what chaos wrapped in love looks like… become a mum of two under three 😅

Life suddenly becomes a mix of cuddles, crumbs, tears, laughter, Peppa Pig on repeat, and the constant question:

“Why is it so quiet? What are they doing?” 👀

But somewhere between the sleepless nights, toddler negotiations, and nappies that defy science… I’ve learned a few things.

Not from parenting books — just from real life, real mess and real motherhood 💛

Here are 5 things I’ve learned as a mum to a toddler and a baby:

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1. Slow days aren’t wasted days 🧸✨

Some days are full of sensory play, healthy snacks and cute photos.

Other days we do nothing except survive on snacks and cartoons 🍿📺

I used to feel guilty for the quiet days, but toddlers don’t care if you’re “productive.”

They just want you 💛

And sometimes the best memories happen on the sofa, not at soft play.

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2. Tantrums aren’t “bad behaviour” — they’re feelings with no words yet 😭💗

Toddlers feel everything at 200%.

Happy? Screaming 🎉

Sad? Screaming 😭

Wrong toast shape? End of the world 🍞💥

Once I started seeing tantrums as communication instead of defiance, I reacted with more patience…

and slightly fewer tears (from me 😅).

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3. Fresh air fixes more than you think 🌿☁️

Bad mood? Fresh air.

Overstimulated? Fresh air.

Mum about to lose it? Fresh air, immediately 😂

A quick walk outside works wonders — even when nobody wants to put shoes on.

Leaves and puddles are basically therapy for everyone 🍁👣

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4. Independent play isn’t “ignoring them” — it’s learning 🧩✨

There is a magical moment when they entertain themselves for five whole minutes.

It’s not selfish.

It’s imagination, confidence and problem-solving.

And yes — I absolutely drink a hot drink and stare into space like a Victorian ghost while it happens ☕👻

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5. Perfection doesn’t exist 🧺🙃

Some days the house is tidy, everyone eats vegetables and we even go outside.

Other days… crisps count as a vegetable, toys become landmines, and I microwave the same tea three times 🫣

Perfection isn’t the goal.

Connection is 💛

Your toddler won’t remember how clean the kitchen was — but they’ll remember dancing in the living room and cuddles before bed.

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If you’re in this season too… 🤍

You’re doing amazing, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

This stage is loud, messy, exhausting, hilarious and beautiful — all at once.

One day, we’ll miss the tiny chaos.

Rachel x