Last night painted such a clear picture of what toddler parenthood really looks like.
Harper has been getting pickier with food lately. We’re having to get creative—trying new ways to spark her curiosity so she’ll give things a chance. And honestly? I get it. I have my comfort foods, too.
But raising her to be brave enough to try something new often feels like I’m talking to myself.
It’s wild how often parenting your toddler feels like parenting yourself.
From Broccoli Battles to Bathtub Bliss
The entire night required extra energy to keep everyone’s nervous systems regulated—and that is no small task when a toddler’s in charge of the mood.
The usual excitement about using the potty before bath time—just like Bean-Bear in her Miss Rachel book—was replaced by flat-out disdain. Bathtime? Also rejected with extreme prejudice. Each transition felt like a battle.
It took 30 minutes of Harper just playing with her broccoli and chicken before finally deciding it was actually pretty tasty.
Then came 5 full minutes of screaming during bathtime…
…before she remembered she loves the bath and cried again when it was time to get out. 😅
All these small transitions are just part of our typical bedtime routine. And doing the emotional work to ease someone else through every single one of them? It’s exhausting. It makes it so hard to find space for creativity or even stillness when the day ends.
But then—something beautiful happened.
Harper’s grandparents had given her a new pajama set yesterday and it even came with a matching scrunchie.
She put it on and looked so grown up, I had to take a picture.
As Braden held her and I tried to snap a photo for the grandparents, Harper looked up at him and leaned in for a kiss. Just the sweetest little kiss, caught in photos I’ll probably cherish forever.
And just like that… everything hard about the evening faded.
✨ A Little “Wow” Goes a Long Way
The final step of our bedtime routine for the past few weeks has been watching the first 20 minutes of a Disney movie. (Let’s be real: that’s usually all we get through before the eye-rubbing starts.)
Last night, we put on Aladdin.
As soon as the opening castle appeared, Harper gasped and said, “Wow,” with her little hands up in the air. Pure magic.
And that’s when it hit me: this is what makes it all worth it.
💭 Parenting Yourself While Parenting Your Child
Parenthood often requires regulating your own emotions just as much as your child’s. There are moments I feel emotions rise in me that make me want to throw a tantrum.
Sometimes I don’t want to be the calm in the storm.
Sometimes I just want someone else to figure it out.
And that alone—holding all of it—is exhausting.
But in all that emotional labor, I see fruit. I see joy.
I see it when Harper says a new word.
When she smiles at someone new.
When she gasps at a Disney castle.
🎭 When You’re a Creative, the Little Joys Matter
As an artist, it’s easy to feel like your value is tied to applause.
How many followers do you have?
How many people are clapping for you?
How much are you getting paid?
But parenthood isn’t like that. There are no spotlights or standing ovations. There are no awards for calming tantrums or singing lullabies. There’s just the journey. The small, sacred, silly moments that add up over time.
And honestly? That’s how it should be in our creative lives, too.
Not every win needs to be loud.
Not every success comes with a paycheck.
Sometimes, the joy is in the quiet persistence. The beauty is in the becoming.
🧡 Find the Joy Today
The joy of parenthood doesn’t show up in grand gestures or perfect photo ops.
It shows up in gasps and kisses and shared glances during bathtime.
It’s not flashy. It’s not perfect.
But it’s everything.
Whatever season you’re in—creative or parenting or both—remember this:
✨ The joy is in the journey.
Look for the little moments today. Let them fill you up.
📬 Want more honest stories about motherhood, creativity, and being a multi-hyphenate?
I share reflections, creative insights, and new blog posts to help you stay grounded, inspired, and encouraged.
👉 Join My Email List
Follow my journey on Instagram.
Jessica Tanner 
Leave a comment