The Threenage Year: Hello Miss Independent
Terrible Twos? How about Terrible Threes! The Threenage year is real — full of attitude, independence, and personality together with some big emotions.
The “threenage year” is the blissful phase when irrational emotions are strong and independence is high. Plus, their growing vocabulary means they can talk back with a sassy attitude whilst blowing you raspberries. At this age, three-year-old toddlers don’t have control of their emotions. Some days every little minor thing can set them off like a ticking time bomb. In short, the “threenage year” is a three-year-old going on thirteen. Yes, they test your patience and devoid you of energy.
Signs of “Threenage Year”
Do you have a threenager at your hands? I certainly do. Here are telltale signs of the glorious “threenage year” in songs.
“I Won’t Back Down” (Tom Petty & the Heartbreaker): I want to wear my yellow pants only. I don’t care if it is dirty. No, I don’t want to tidy up. No, I won’t back down. Yes my threenager’s favourite word is “No.”
“Runaway” (Red Hot Chili Peppers): My favourite thing to do is to runaway from mum and dad at the playground or at the museum. When you say “home time”, I runaway, runaway, runaway now. Yes, cardio workout done for the day.
“Miss Independent” (Kelly Clarkson): I am three, I am a big girl. I can do it. I can put on my clothes, socks, shoes. Look at me, I’m Miss Independent. Yes, sweetie but you can’t wear a dress in 5C weather outside.
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” (The Rolling Stones): Mama, I think I am tired. I think I want to watch something. Can I watch Toy Story? Yes, my threenager is the master negotiator. Well daughter, you can’t always get what you want, and because I said so.
“I Got the Power” (Various Artists): No, I don’t want to eat my peas. I don’t like peas. No, I want plain pasta. No, I don’t want to go home. See my earlier points. Power struggles are real with threenagers. Be warned.
“Can You Hear Me” (Enrique Iglesias): I’m listening to you mama. Are you, I’ve asked you three times to brush your teeth. Five minutes and it’s home time, do you hear me (repeat x 5)? Do kids ever grow out of the selective listening phase? I feel like I am constantly repeating myself over and over again with my threenager.
Sweet Moments of a Threenager
But at the same time, it’s remarkable with the leaps and bounds of three-year-old toddler development. Despite the annoyance, it’s pretty special. There’s also sweet moments too. My daughter, the threenager, saids the sweetest that just melts our hearts.
“You’re My Best Friend” (Queen): Momma, I really love you. You’re my best friend. I want you to stay home all the time. I’m going to miss you.
“Daddy’s Little Girl” (The Shire): Dadda, I want to dance with you. I’m always gonna be daddy’s little girl. Dadda, I want to go to the playground with you.
“I Love My Dog” (Sublime): Buddy is my brother. Buddy, I love you (my dog). Be gentle with Buddy; he’s little. Buddy, you’re sooooo cute.
“How Sweet It Is (to be loved by you)” (Marvin Gaye): And if your darling toddler is exhibiting these “threenager” characteristics, stop and remember “How Sweet It Is (to be loved by you).” Take some time for yourself. Be kind to yourself. As with everything in parenthood, this phase shall too pass.
