There's nothing quite like living with a toddler.
One minute, they're offering you a flower they've picked at the park. The next? They're screaming because you gave them the wrong spoon.
I still remember the day my daughter decided she hated pants. Not just disliked — hated. Cue me trying to convince a tiny, stubborn human that pants were actually cool while already running late for daycare.
Another week, it was the orange cup versus the blue one. And don't even get me started on the "I do it myself" phase that somehow turns brushing teeth into a 40-minute saga.
Toddlerhood is unpredictable, exhausting, hilarious and heart-bursting, often all within the same five minutes.
And while there's no handbook for navigating these years, I quickly realised that hearing what worked for other parents was the only thing that kept me (mostly) sane.
Some advice made me laugh, some made me rethink how I was doing things and some genuinely changed our day-to-day for the better.
So, I asked 12 parents for the toddler advice that changed their lives. Here's what they shared.
"Someone once told me that toddlers are basically professional snackers. Well, it's true. Some days my son survives on air, blueberries and half a slice of toast. Other days? I'm feeding a football team. That's why the best advice I got was to focus on quality over quantity.
When my son's tummy was sensitive, I learned about options like Bubs Easy-digest Goat Milk Toddler Drink, made with A2 goat milk protein that's naturally easier for little tummies to digest. Knowing that Bubs believes the best start in life comes from the best nutrition and that they source pure, high-quality produce gave me real reassurance that I was adding value to his diet. I also loved that it's independently tested for purity and is Clean Label Project Certified (so no nasties!).
Plus, it provides essential vitamins and minerals that support healthy development — from strong bones to immune function and even cognitive development.
It gave me real peace of mind on the days when meals were more beige crackers than balanced plates." — Jess
"My daughter thrives on routine and so do I. A set nap, snack and bath schedule honestly saved my sanity. Once we found a rhythm, the meltdowns reduced massively." — Sam
"When my son went through a six-week stretch of refusing to sit in his car seat, I thought it would never end. Then one day, he climbed in like nothing had happened. Now, whenever a new challenge crops up, I remind myself: this too shall pass." — Melissa
"My friend with three kids told me to always give myself an extra 20 minutes to get anywhere with a toddler. Best advice ever. We're still late sometimes but way less stressed." — Claudia
"Clothing wars were breaking me until another parent said, 'If it's weather-appropriate and safe, let them choose.' So yes, sometimes my toddler goes out in dinosaur gumboots and a shawl. But you know what? No one cares and mornings are so much calmer." — Alex
"I used to dread finger painting or baking with my toddler because of the cleanup. But then someone told me to just set up a washable mat, lean in and let go. The joy on my son's face when he squishes paint between his hands is worth every second of scrubbing later." — Priya
"I once saw a mum at the park pull out a banana mid-meltdown and — poof — the tears stopped. Now, I never leave the house without a stash of snacks. Meltdowns go from 100 to zero real quick." — Carmel
"A parenting coach once told me: eye contact is magic. Kneeling down to speak calmly face-to-face instead of towering over them diffuses so many tantrums before they start." — Danielle
"I thought I had to be a constant teacher — counting steps, naming colours, describing clouds. Then another mum said, 'It's okay to just be with them.' The silence is actually lovely and my daughter still learns plenty." — Sophie
"My toddler 'helps' unpack groceries, put clothes in the washing machine and stir pancake batter. Sure, it's slower and messier, but it makes her feel involved and proud. A friend told me this builds independence — and patience for me." — Emma
"I used to feel embarrassed when my toddler screamed in the supermarket aisle. Another parent told me, 'It's not about you — it's about them learning to regulate big feelings.' That perspective shifted everything." — Jamie
"The best advice I got was from my mum: if you don't laugh, you'll cry. Toddlers are hilarious and seeing the humour makes the chaos feel lighter." — Toni
Every toddler (and every parent) is different. What works for one family might be a total flop for another.
Because these years are all about trial and error — finding what makes life a little easier and leaning on the things you can trust.
And on the tough days?
Just remember: pants are optional, snacks are essential and this wild stage won't last forever.
Find Bubs' toddler milk online or in-store at your nearest retailer.
Suitable for children 12 months and older. Always read the label and follow directions for use.
Feature Image: Supplied.
