Toddler Parenting Through God’s Grace: Finding Joy in the Challenging Seasons
Struggling in the toddler years? A pediatric nurse practitioner and mom shares how rest and the fruit of the Spirit transformed her parenting journey.
Parenting Toddlers with Grace: Lessons I’m Learning as a Mom
The other day I came across a post from a mom sharing her heart about motherhood. She wrote, “The toddler season is no joke- it’s stretching me in ways I didn’t expect!”
Her honesty stopped me in my tracks because—wow—I felt that. I paused and asked myself: When do I feel like my best self as a parent? When do I feel like I’m thriving instead of just surviving?
And then I remembered something I heard another mom say on TikTok:
“Gentle parenting is nothing more than parenting with the fruit of the Spirit.”
That hit me deeply.
Galatians 5:22 talks about the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
This isn’t just a list of ideals to aim for. It’s a reminder of how God equips us for the relationships that matter most. When my husband and I chose our wedding date, we intentionally picked a date tied to Galatians 5:22. We believed if we applied the fruit of the Spirit in our marriage, it would stay rooted in God’s love and couldn’t go wrong.
So why wouldn’t the same apply to parenthood?
The Power of Rest in Parenting
Here’s what I’ve noticed: The moments I feel like the mom I want to be—calm, present, joyful—are the moments I’m well rested.
When I’m frustrated, impatient, or even defeated, it almost always traces back to being tired. (Surprise, surprise!)
So, when that mom asked for advice, here’s what I told her:
✨ Prioritize rest so you can be the best version of yourself.
This isn’t easy in the toddler stage, but little adjustments make a huge difference. For me, that’s looked like:
• Taking a nap with my son instead of using the time to catch up on chores.
• Making his bedtime my bedtime on the hard days.
Those small choices have transformed my parenting experience. At 2.5 years old, he’s growing and changing so fast. I don’t want to miss this season because I’m too depleted to be present.
How Rest Changes Your Parenting
Does it get challenging? OH YES.
But being well-rested changes my entire approach:
🌱 During meltdowns, I stay calm and allow him to experience his big feelings instead of lashing out.
🌱 Later, we talk about those feelings and identify them together.
🌱 I remind myself—if I don’t have self-control, how can I expect that of him?
This doesn’t mean I’m perfect. But when I parent from a place of rest and lean on God’s grace, I notice I’m more patient, more loving, and more like the mom I know I was created to be.
Final Thoughts: Parenting in the Pace of God’s Grace
When we walk in the pace of God’s grace, all we have is all we need.
The same fruit of the Spirit that guides my marriage is shaping me as a mother. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. It’s not about perfection—it’s about presence.
If you’re in the thick of toddlerhood, be kind to yourself. Prioritize rest, ask God for wisdom, and trust that you’re doing holy work in raising your little one.
You’ve got this, mama.
✨ Let’s Chat:
What’s helping you stay grounded in the toddler years? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re finding joy in this season.
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Until next time,
Kelly-Ann Smith,
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | Founder of Cub Convos @cubconvos
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