Embracing the Storm: Surviving a 3-Year-Old Boy

Parenthood is a Journey

It constantly surprises us, challenges us, and fills our hearts with love (and sometimes fury). But what happens when your child is a maelstrom of energy, a force of nature, and a bundle of pure rambunctiousness?

That's the reality of raising a 3-year-old boy who seems to have an endless supply of energy. It's not always easy, but it's a beautiful chaos that we wouldn't trade for the world. Well, perhaps I'd trade just a wee little bit of it. But not all of it. Maybe a decent chunk of it!

Our son, @little-ricky, is the epitome of boundless energy. From the moment he wakes up in the morning, he's like a hurricane, leaving a trail of toys, screaming, and a sprawling mess in his wake. He runs in circles, climbs everything he can, rolls on the floor, and rarely sits still for more than a minute. It's never ending with this kid. In fact he is bouncing off the walls as I write this.

One of the biggest challenges of raising an extremely energetic 3-year-old is keeping up with him. I am not especially young! It's like having a personal trainer who never takes a day off.

But as tiring as it can be, there's something beautiful about witnessing the sheer joy he experiences in exploring the world around him. His enthusiasm is contagious, and it forces us to see the world through a different lens. Sometimes I wish that I could fully experience life as he does again. I can definitely remember it, but the feeling seems to be a bit out of reach.

Each Day Out with Him is an Adventure!

Whether it's a trip to the park, or wherever, we're constantly amazed by his sense of wonder. His curiosity knows no bounds, and he reminds us to stop and smell the roses, to notice the little things that we often take for granted. He's a reminder that life is an adventure, and even the mundane can be extraordinary. And then he poops.

Of course, there are days when the tantrums and meltdowns can be overwhelming. When he's tired or frustrated, Ricky's energy can turn into a nightmare. But even in those moments, we learn to appreciate the lessons he's teaching us. Patience, understanding, and the art of negotiation become our daily tools. We learn to choose our battles wisely and to recognize when he simply needs a hug, a nap, or a snack. I have to say, I am getting much better and figuring out which one it is!

One of the most heartwarming aspects of raising a rambunctious 3-year-old boy is the love he brings into our lives. His hugs are tight, and his laugh are just so damn cute. There's an innocence and authenticity in his interactions that remind us of the simple beauty of human connection. He teaches us to savor the fleeting years of childhood, which seemed like forever when we ourselves were going through them.

As parents, we've come to understand that Ricky's energy is a gift, not a curse. It's a reminder to embrace the chaos, to find joy in the everyday moments, and to let go of the need for perfection. We're learning to laugh at the mess, dance in the rain, and find wonder in the world around us – just as he does.

Just kidding, I haven't learned to dance in the rain and laugh at the mess. But I am definitely getting back that sense of wonder, which I thought would be impossible to find again. The truth of the matter is that all you can really do as a parent is take one day at a time, and try not to get so bent out of shape when he does crazy things.

For one, I don't get as upset anymore about small things or freak out as easily. It's always pretty funny to watch our friends' reactions to him when they come over and see him being a maniac. We just sit there all chill as if nothing were happening. But of course they are uneasy and making comments such as 'Is he OK?'

The storm continues, and live marches forward! I wonder how I will feel when he's 4? Stay tuned.....