Five ‘Looks’ that Only Mums of Toddlers will Understand and Why They’re all Valid
It’s an experience like no other. When you become a parent, and especially when a toddler is by your side, everything changes – your priorities, sleep patterns, daily routine… even your facial expression.
Not just the occasional (and frequent) mascara smudge. We’re not talking about dark circles or the occasional (okay, frequent) mascara smudge.
You’ll find that these ‘looks,’ along with your yoga pants and dry shampoo, will become a part of your everyday wardrobe. What’s the best part? The best part? A knowing glance across the play area says, “Yep. I see you,u, and I are living it too.”
Here are five looks that only mothers of toddlers can truly appreciate — and why these looks are a badge of honour.
1. The “I am as tired as the Walking Dead” Look
The undead stage of motherhood is here. You’re not in a postapocalyptic television series, but you sure feel like you are. Especially when your child wakes up five times a night to check on you because their socks “feel weird” or just want to let you know that the moon is still up.
The Walking Dead looks real. The Walking Dead is characterized by:
- Sleep-deprived, puffy eyes that shout, “I haven’t slept for years.”
- Wearing clothes from yesterday (or the day before).
- If you’ve washed your hair, don’t mention it.
- You stare blankly into the distance while you drink your third cup of reheated espresso.
Also, you might notice smudges that are not identified on your top food? Snot? Snot? We don’t ask. We don’t judge.
It’s not just exhaustion that causes a tired look. It also shows the quiet strength of the mother who has been up all night rocking her feverish child, cuddling them through night terrors, or sitting outside the toddler’s bedroom because “I just can’t go to sleep.“
Real Talk
The physical demands of motherhood are intense, particularly in the toddler years. Sleep is often referred to as a luxury, and it is for mothers. Every sleepless night also shows your love and resilience.
If you are rocking the zombie mom look today, then own it. Put on your sunglasses and grab that double-shot latte. You’re doing a great job.
2. The “I am being tested” Look
You may find that your toddler will push your buttons at the most inconvenient times. You asked them to get their shoes on? Cue meltdown. You were given the wrong colour cup. World-ending mistake. What if you cut the sandwich into squares instead of triangles? How dare you.
You know the one: “I am being tested”. You know it:
- Jaw clenched with silent determination.
- Deep breaths taken every 10 seconds.
- The eyebrows are slightly raised, a mixture of disbelief mixed with exasperation.
- Silently, the eyes plead for divine intervention.
This look is often seen during grocery store tantrums or a painfully slow walk when you are running late. Or, whenever your toddler insists upon doing something unreasonable, like licking or climbing on the dog.
Toddler Test
Explorers, toddlers are. They are constantly testing boundaries, figuring out causes and effects, and demanding independence, while still needing you for almost everything. No wonder you feel like a character in a patience race.
Behind every mum’s tight-lipped grin and eye-roll is a love that is so strong, it can hold back screaming (most of the time). What’s that look like? This is pure grit. This is the face of an aspiring woman who’s learning to pick her battles.
3. If You Don’t Do as You Are Told …” Look
It’s the universal look of a “mum who means business”. It’s not necessary to say anything. A stern look is all it takes to make a toddler think twice.
Usually, it involves:
- The death stare could melt metal
- Your eyebrows are so high that they almost touch your hairline.
- Lips were tightly pressed together to prevent yelling.
- The finger is poised in mid-wag and ready to deliver a warning.
If you do not stop it right away …”, you will be given a vague punishment that you won’t enforce because you aren’t interested in canceling the trip to the park or throwing out every toy.
The Discipline Dance
Toddlers have a mastery of selective hearing. You want them to stop touching something? It becomes irresistible. You want them to hurry? They are slower. They move more slowly. They don’t blink when they say “Bye!”
This look is your silent protest and warning flag. This is the face version of “Try Me.”
It’s okay if you don’t always do everything perfectly. It’s okay if you don’t always follow through. Even if you’re giggling half the time, it doesn’t matter. You are setting boundaries, demonstrating love, and modeling accountability.
4. “I know you’re judging me.” Look
There is nothing more humiliating than watching your toddler have a total meltdown in front of others. You’re having a pleasant trip to the supermarket, and then you find yourself dragging an angry, screaming child through the aisles because they won’t take the jumbo egg.
You can give me the look that says, “I know you are judging.”
- The awkward half-smile that you use to greet strangers.
- Use phrases such as “I know you’re upset, et darlinto to seem totally in control.
- Side-eye look at bystanders, who don’t seem to have children (or simply have forgotten what it is like).
Poise: The Performance
It’s not just your child who suffers from public meltdowns. They also affect you. You need to manage your fear of being judged as well as your toddler’s strong emotions.
Every parent has experienced this. If they haven’t been there, they will.
What is that look you adopt when there’s chaos in the public? This look is a mixture of shame, love, and exhaustion. It also reflects a desperate wish for people to cut you some slack.
Next time you see a mother in a state of meltdown, smile at her instead of giving her the side-eye. We’re all doing our best.
5. The “I Could Burst With Love” Look Amid the chaos, you’ll find those magical moments: the giggles and the cuddles. Or the way your child wraps his arms around your neck, saying “I love Mummy” with a squeaky tone.
Your entire face can change in an instant.
This look is recognizable:
- Soft eyes filled up with wonder.
- A dopey, love-drunk smile.
- The eyebrows are raised slightly in wonder.
- You may even shed a few tears of gratitude, wondering how you could love someone so much.
It’s the look that says “I’m in love”, and it gets you through those tough days. This is the look that makes you want to endure sleepless nights, tantrums, and food thrown at your face.
The Big Picture
It’s hard to be a parent of a toddler. It is noisy, messy, and emotionally draining. It’s pure magic. Their innocence, their curiosity, and their unconditional love can soften even the most difficult days.
You are not only raising a child, you’re also watching a human being grow up. What’s that look you have on your face? This is the look of a mother who knows that despite everything, this will be the most beautiful love story she has ever experienced.
Conclusion
Every wrinkle, eye bag, and exhausted smile tells the story of love, dedication, and strength. The “mum look” is not just a facial expression. It’s a milestone of motherhood captured in real time.
You will have days when you feel like you are a walking catastrophe. You will be judged, ignored, and noted oned – sometimes within the same hour. You’ll discover a strength that you didn’t know you had and a deep love that will change you forever.
You are not alone; you will be seen and appreciated if you rock all five looks at once.
