The Pura Real Parent Interview – Meet Yashica mum to an energetic toddler and a new baby

It’s Pura’s mission to make life a little easier for others on this crazy but wonderful journey we call parenting. We want to create a Pura community where we can share stories and advice. This is why we’re running a series of interviews on our blog, chatting to real parents about their various experience. 

Today we chat to Yashica, Mum to 21-month-old Logan, and newborn Marshall, born two weeks ago. 

Thanks for agreeing to talk to us. We have to ask, are you finding having a toddler more challenging than a younger baby?

Yes, having a toddler is definitely more challenging than having a little baby! I mean, having a newborn is hard work. Obviously, when they become a toddler and they're they are walking and running, it becomes more challenging, because you literally cannot take your eyes off a toddler for a second! At the same time, it's amazing to see him thrive and develop and just be a toddler.

What’s the best part of being Mum to a toddler?

It’s wonderful to see him becoming this little person, toddling around, running around, climbing, talking. It's incredible, but it was hard work when I was heavily pregnant.

What are the main challenges?

I would say the main challenges are keeping him entertained, because he's not in nursery so I'm with him 24/7 and I do work part-time as well!

How do you keep him busy?

I'd normally take him to the park, soft play, any toddler groups, and the library - which he loves. There's also a baby gymnastics group next door to us, which, again, he loves. And we're also surrounded by a lot of kids, our neighbours have quite a few kids, which keep him entertained.

Some toddlers can be fussy eaters, how about Logan?

Logan can be a fussy eater, especially when he was teething. He loves his fruit, he’s not the biggest fan of veg! We normally eat together. He tends to want to eat whatever we eat so to encourage Logan to eat more fruit and veg, I put them on my plate - hoping he will steal my food.  But sometimes it doesn’t work. He’s not stupid.

Have you started potty training yet?

We are not potty training yet, but we are planning to when Logan can communicate when he needs a nappy change. He already brings me his wet wipes and nappies so he could be nearly ready.

They call it the terrible twos. Does Logan have many tantrums?

Thankfully, he's not too bad. He can have outbursts if he doesn't get his way, but we always try to acknowledge him and just try to explain to him that no means no! I would say the only time he has a tantrum is  when it's time to come back into the house. As I mentioned before, we are surrounded by a lot of kids. He loves the kids that live next door to us so when it's time for them to go back home, or it's time for us to come inside, then he might have a bit of a meltdown!

Do you get much time to yourself?

My husband helps, even though he works really long hours. I get around an hour to myself each day while my husband looks after the children. He'll also ask me if I want to get my nails done or just meet some friends and socialise without the kids. I'm very lucky that my husband is so supportive in that way. I also work part-time in a coffee shop, which also keeps me sane.

What’s the biggest piece of advice you’d give to other parents of toddlers?

Honestly, my biggest tip would be to enjoy every moment because, babies, infants, toddlers, kids, they just grow so quickly. My advice would be to treasure every moment and it's okay to make mistakes, because they happen. We have made some mistakes and it's all part of learning. Don’t compare your toddler to other toddlers either because I found that I was doing that at first. But other Mums advised me that every baby does things in their own time so we shouldn’t be comparing.

Finally, remember that toddlers are super quick. My son runs around a lot. So never take your eyes off them!

Thank you, Yashica, for taking the time to talk to us!