Remember when leaving for work was as simple as grabbing your keys, fixing your hair, and heading out the door? When being late was rare, and you arrived at your desk feeling refreshed and ready to go?
If you’re returning to work after parental leave with a toddler at home, you already know those days are long gone. Between night wakings, diaper blowouts, and tantrums over toast cut the wrong way, the hardest part of your day often happens before 9 a.m.
With extended 18-month Canadian parental leaves now an option, many parents are heading back to work with a very mobile, very opinionated toddler. The transition can be stressful — but it doesn’t have to feel impossible. Here are three simple tips to help your mornings go a little more smoothly.
Why Toddlers Make Mornings Tricky
Toddlers are curious, independent, and full of energy — which is wonderful, but doesn’t always align with your need to be out the door on time. Understanding their developmental stage can help you shift your approach from conflict to cooperation.
Tip 1: Respect Your Toddler’s Agenda
The defining feature of toddlerhood is independence. While phrases like “We need to leave” or “Mommy has to be at work on time” might make sense to you, they don’t usually carry much weight with your little one.
Instead of expecting them to simply follow your schedule, accept that they have their own agenda. Look for small compromises or creative ways to align your needs with theirs. A little empathy can go a long way in reducing battles.
Tip 2: Turn Routine Into Play
Play is the toddler’s natural language. When you make your needs part of their game, you’ll find cooperation comes much more easily. A few ideas to try:
- Race to the car. (Parents always lose, of course!)
- Use silly voices or songs. Pretend to be their favourite animal while getting ready.
- “Mixed up” routine. Put shoes on your ears or a coat on your legs until your toddler corrects you — laughter makes transitions easier.
These playful approaches may take a few extra seconds, but they save time (and tears) in the long run.
Tip 3: Start with Connection
We’ve all shouted across the room, “Time to go!” only to be ignored until frustration builds. Instead, try starting with connection before giving instructions:
- Get down to their level
- Make eye contact
- Add a smile or gentle touch
This moment of connection makes your toddler far more likely to follow your lead — without the repeated nagging.
Remember: Practice, Not Perfection
Even the best strategies won’t work 100% of the time (only Paw Patrol has that kind of track record). Give yourself grace, and remember that parenting is about practice, not perfection.
Extra Support for Parents Returning to Work
Returning to work with a toddler is no small feat, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. In My Parental Leave, you’ll find expert tips, checklists, and tools to help you navigate the transition back to work — and make mornings just a little easier for both you and your little one.
