Whilst children can be quite a handful at two years old, there are so many advantages to having a toddler in the house

• Learning to talk: While we delighted in hearing them say their first word, it’s just as exciting when they start to string sentences together. Although they’re bound to make a few mistakes along the way this only makes their efforts even more endearing.   
• Expressing their opinions: From what clothes they’re going to wear to what activities are on the agenda; if you ask a toddler their opinion they’ll be delighted. (Sometimes they don’t wait to be asked). It’s so much easier to plan things if they’ve expressed their enthusiasm for something.
• Letting you know what’s wrong: Babies cry regularly and it is frustrating when you have to play a guessing game to find out what’s wrong. If a toddler’s upset or unwell they can immediately explain what’s happened or what hurts.
• Developing their own personalit: No babies are the same but it’s not until they become a toddler that their true personality is revealed. We feel like we get to know them even better at this age and can distinguish whether they’re an introvert or extrovert and what other characteristics they have. You can even try and work out which traits they got from which parent!
• Showing their unique talents: It’s lovely to expose toddlers to as many different activities as possible and that way you can see what they enjoy the most or really excel in. Whether it’s sports, painting, climbing or singing they all have their own strengths.
• Wanting to join in: Toddlers are little copycats and they want to do whatever mummy and daddy are doing. They want to pretend to drive the car, help with the chores, get their hands dirty in the garden and throw things in the shopping trolley. Enjoy their ‘help’ while it lasts!
• Easier to bring on holidays and days out: With less essentials to cart around with you and less nap time needed, once they get to the toddler years it is easier to go on day trips and even abroad. They will also now appreciate the change of scenery much more than what they used to.
• Bonding with other family members: Toddlers have surprisingly good memories and its lovely when they learn the names of their extended family and are delighted to spend time with them without you around. It’s a nice break for them and even better for you!