Why being a toddler is awesome

Little Miss is approaching her fourth birthday, which means that Sunshine Duke is well on his way to his third birthday... which means that they're not really toddlers anymore. So I'm in the mood to reminisce. Here are my top reasons why being a toddler is awesome.

1. They wake up happy

Toddlers don't wake up and go 'uuuuugh, please tell me it's not morning yet', roll over, and hide under the duvet. No, that's what adults do. Toddlers wake up full to bursting with energy and they wanna do stuff. And what's the first thing they want to do? They want to see you. Can you honestly say, hand on heart, that anyone else in your life is pleased to see you every single morning? Toddlers – they're the living embodiment of Carpe Diem.

2. Their needs are simple

Cuddles? Check. Breakfast? Check. Toys? Check. Cuddles? Check. Cheesy macaroni? Check. Cuddles? Check.

3. Chubby legs

Those fleshy pins are just about the most adorable thing in the world and before you know it, bam, they're gone. When else are you going to be proud as punch of having a kid with fat legs?

4. Time and weather

They don't know what day it is, they don't know what time it is, and frankly, they don't give a damn. They only know that it's either 1. Playtime or 2. Time for Lunch. Plus, they don't care what the weather's doing, they pretty much want go outside anyway.

5. You have to earn their respect.

Respect isn't a notion that a toddler would remotely understand, yet it's built into their psyche. You give them an inch? They'll take the full mile, thank you very much. You want to give them everything they ask for? They'll take it... and then walk all over you. Toddlers want to respect you as much as you want their respect.

6. Colouring in

It's often the number one indoor activity for a toddler, but have you ever done it with them? Have you sat down, crayon in hand and worked hard to stay within the lines? It's surprisingly therapeutic.

7. They dob themselves in...Dobbing.

(This may or may not feature in this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Toddlers-Instruction-Surviving-Written-Parents/dp/0956702449/)