It’s only day one of fall break, and my 4-year-old has already accused me of not liking him… all because I told him not to jump on the couch. Parenthood is truly a mix of deep breaths, laughter, and moments that make you question everything — including your furniture choices. Welcome to fall break, Boy Mom edition.

Sour Patch Mornings: Life with a Moody Toddler

"Mom, I'm mad at you!"
"Why, MJ?"
"Because you didn’t let me feed the dogs!"
"You were asleep… if you were awake, why didn’t you get up and help?"
"Don’t tell me stories!"

That’s how we kicked off our Friday—moody toddler edition. Some mornings feel like an emotional marathon. MJ wakes up full of feelings—cranky one minute, needy the next, then irritated, and before I know it, he's wrapping his arms around me saying, “I love you, Mommy.”

It’s whiplash… but it’s also love. Parenting him sometimes feels like being in a mini, dramatic relationship. One where I constantly have to remind myself: he’s not giving me a hard time. He’s having a hard time. And I'm here to guide him through it.