Toddler Mayhem 101: A Survival Guide for Conscious Parents

…congratulations, you’re deep in the trenches of toddlerhood - where the odds are almost never in your favour!

For conscious parents, this stage isn’t just about survival - it’s about raising kind, emotionally intelligent, and curious little humans while somehow keeping your sanity intact. It’s messy, unpredictable, and exhausting, but it’s also one of the most rewarding phases of parenting.

So, how do you thrive (not just survive) in the chaos? Let’s break it down.

#1 Nailing The Comms

The most accurate summary of toddlers? They are big feelings in tiny bodies. 

Their emotions are as intense as a Shakespearean tragedy - but their vocab? Limited. This often results in frustration (on both sides).

Try this:

• Offer simple choices (“Do you want the red or blue cup?”) to help them feel in control.

• Validate their feelings before jumping to solutions (“I see you’re upset because we have to leave the park. That’s hard.”).

• Use fewer words. Keep instructions clear and short (“Shoes on, then outside.”).

When in doubt? Snacks. Snacks solve 99% of toddler crises (if their snack cup is the correct colour, of course). 

#2 Embrace the Mess (Your House Won’t Win Any Awards Anyway)

Toys everywhere, half-eaten bananas in the couch (yes, IN the couch), crayon masterpieces on the walls…normal. 

Instead of battling the chaos, conscious parents focus on practical solutions:

• Create yes spaces - areas where they can explore freely without you saying “no” every 10 seconds.

• Rotate toys to keep things fresh (bonus: less clutter!)

• Get into toy swapping – a sustainable, budget-friendly way to keep their toy collection new without buying more stuff.

Adjusting your expectations while working on these steps is crucial for maintaining your sanity. Perhaps, focusing on hygienic and safe instead of perfect can help ease the pressure?

#3 Toddler Tantrums: Brace for Impact

Tantrums are part of the gig. The most important thing to remember is that toddlers are not being bad or manipulative - their tiny brains are just still under construction.

In the meantime, do your best to:

• Stay calm (or at least fake it). Your energy influences theirs.

• Validate emotions – “You’re really frustrated! That’s okay.”

• Distract and redirect – “Oh wow, did you see that bird?” works surprisingly often. Otherwise, tickles!

• Give (simple) choices – “Do you want to walk to the car or hop like a bunny?” (Works 75% of the time. The other 25%? Send thoughts and prayers.)

If all else fails? Deep breaths and a cup of tea (for you, not them). And did we mention snacks before?

#4 Sleep? What’s That?

If bedtime feels like a hostage negotiation, you’re not alone. But before you start Googling if humans can function without sleep (they can, but only briefly), try these tips:

• Keep routines predictable – bath, book, bed (repeat “book” until they stop asking for one more story).

• Make bedtime positive – instead of “It’s time for bed,” try “Let’s get cosy in your sleepy spot.”

You will (maybe, not definitely, possibly) sleep peacefully again one day. Pinky promise.

#5 Mealtime Battles: The Eternal Struggle

If your toddler’s diet consists of air, crackers, and the occasional apple slice, welcome to the club. The trick? Make mealtimes low-pressure (for them, not you).

• Offer a mix of safe (familiar) and adventurous (new) foods.

• Serve everything deconstructed - toddlers love to mix and match.

• No forcing, bribing, or battles – they won’t starve, promise!

Bonus tip: Get them involved if they’re interested! Toddlers who help make food are more likely to eat it. Even if it means extra mess (see point #2, m’kay?).

#6 Screen Time? Keep It Conscious, Not Guilt-Ridden

Screens aren’t the enemy, but balance is key. Modern parents tend to embrace the screens, aiming to focus on limited bursts of quality programming:

• Choose educational, interactive content over mindless watching.

• Make it social – co-watch, discuss, or play together.

• Use screens with purpose (hello, long car rides and emergency distractions!)

And if you don’t want to use screens at all? Kudos to you (and your chill kiddos!), and not knowing who Ms Rachel is most certainly won’t set them back in any way.

#7 Sustainable Parenting: The Power of the Circular Economy

If that’s something you’re mindful of, rejoice: raising a toddler doesn’t have to mean endless consumption. These eco-conscious parenting choices can help:

• Choosing sustainable toys over mass-produced plastic.

• Using preloved toys instead of constantly buying new.

• Participating in toy swapping (here’s how!) and donation networks to reduce waste.

But most importantly - simply use your stuff as much as you can. Even without splurging on endless eco-friendly toys, this will truly make the most difference, because even conscious consumption is still consumption.

#8 Self-Care for You (Because You Deserve It)

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s necessary:

• Lower the bar – done is better than perfect.

• Tag-team – swap playdates with friends or call in a grandparent.

• Find your people – mum groups or even online communities (we hope to build one at Sassybae!) make it easier.

The Bottom Line

Toddlers are messy, unpredictable, and exhausting. But they’re also hilarious, brilliant, and full of wonder.

For conscious parents, thriving through these years means picking your battles, diving head first into the chaos, and soaking in the sweet moments (because, let’s be real, those toddler cuddles are pure magic).

And when it all feels like too much? Deep breaths. Snacks. Virtual hugs.

It’s hard, but we’ve been watching, and the results are in: you’re doing better than you think!