Parents battle with their toddler: 'Nothing is working, she can’t be fixed, she’s broken'
Testing our patience when the going gets tough is one thing, but being a constant live wire is another.
More often than not, our kids are a dream – except for the one in every family.
The single child that is different to the rest, the one that stands out, or is capable of putting you in several red faced scenarios.
The one that keeps you on our toes, reminding you daily that parenting is a tough gig, but not letting you forget you wouldn't change a thing.
Mel Watts can relate.
The mum-of-four has a toddler, the most beautiful little girl, however, Mum thought she was broken.
"Sometimes we’re sent babies that like to test us. For months and months I’d sit there and say to my husband 'nothing is working, she can’t be fixed, she’s broken'."
"Seriously though I’ve never had a baby (now toddler) like her. We spent so much money on sleeping aids, routines, music and nothing worked for her. I read countless books, interviews and advice […] but I’ve learnt now that it was all such wasted energy and time."
Because Mel couldn't 'fix' her daughter.
Because she wasn't broken.
"She is just difficult, some babies are difficult and we're sold on these items that are meant to fix these difficult children – and nothing fixes things that aren't broken," cried Mum.
But now that Mel has come to terms with the fact nothing is broken, she has revealed that herself and her husband, Nolan, are living proof that you can survive the first two years of difficult kids.
"You can survive the first two years of not sleeping through night, never wanting to eat what you cook, demanding bottles and the loud screaming tantrums. There’s light at the end of the tunnel."
What's more, is that Mel wouldn't change a thing about her toddler, as the little one beats to her own drum.
"Though it’s easy to compare babies to other babies I think it’s fair to say every baby is different! Our newborn has more of a routine than our toddler. He sleeps better than her too."
"I feel like these are the babies they use in their after product reviews whilst aiming at our other louder babies. Two completely different type of children. Two different kind of parenting styles needed and a hell of a lot of whatever works."
Speaking out on her fiery little girl, Mel cautions that mums and dads should take advice with a grain of salt: "Imagine that one grain out of the whole kitchen table salt shaker, though you may find similar pieces of salt none of them would be exactly the same."
They're unique – and so be it, we wouldn't change them for the world.
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