Cleaning, snack plates, studying psychology, and chasing a toddler.

This is what a realistic day in the life of a mom with a toddler looks like in my house. No perfect organized schedules, no picture-perfect moments every five minutes. Just, real life, a lot of coffee, and a three-year-old with more energy than I understand.

Morning Starts at Full Speed

Most mornings start the same way. My son wakes up ready to go at full speed while I’m still trying to convince my brain to wake up. Before i can even finish my coffee he’s already running around the living room like he’s got a turbo button somewhere.

Breakfast With a Picky Toddler

Breakfast isn’t always some big, planned meal either. Sometimes it’s something quick, sometimes it turns into one of our favorite snack plates. Crackers, cucumber slices, grapes, cheese– whatever I know he’ll actually eat. Anyone with a toddler knows that feeding them can feel like negotiating with a tiny food critic.

Trying to Get Things Done

While he’s busy eating or watching one of his favorite shows (oooh yes, he watches tv), I try to sneak in a few minutes to get something done. Sometimes that means cleaning up the kitchen, sometimes it means picking up the living room after the tornado that is toddler playtime.

Studying Between Mom Moments

Lately, I’ve also been trying to make time to study psychology. I want to learn more about it. So, when I can find a quiet moment (which is rare) I’ll open my laptop or notebook. Read through my course material. It doesn’t always happen perfectly. Sometimes, I read two pages before I hear “Mom!” from across the room.

Other times I end up doing a little bit of everything at once. Washing dishes while keeping an eye on my son. Answering questions about snacks and trying to remember what I was just reading about five minutes ago.

The Reality of Toddler Life

Honestly, that’s kind of what most days look like around here. A mix of parenting, cleaning, learning new things, and trying to keep up with a toddler who seems to have endless energy.

Some days are messy. Some days are exhausting. Some days feel like I didn’t get half the things done that I wanted to. There are also the little moments that make it all worth it. The random hugs, the silly conversations, the quiet times when he finally slows down for a minute.

This is a realistic day around here.

If you’re also raising a toddler (or any age child for that matter) and figuring life out one day at a time, you’re definitely not alone.

Do you have a toddler who keeps you on your toes all day too? Tell me what a normal day looks like in your home in the comments.