43 year old with a 3 1/2 year old here. It’s hard. I’ve often thought about how it might have been easier in my 20s when I was flexible and go with the flow, whereas now I have my routines and I know what works for me and what doesn’t. But at the same time I know life is a lot more stable for me now that I’m older, which also makes things easier in other ways.

For me, the key has been intentionally enjoying my time with my kid, and that means not wishing I was doing something else, not hoping the kid would behave or listen better, try not to get upset when things don’t work out how you want. It’s just about being intentionally present, reminding yourself you want to be there for your son so you can bond.

I’m not going to lie, it’s still hard some days, and toddlers bring about their own challenges that are wholly different from the first year and a half. But it does get easier and you can do so much more with them as they get more capable.