7 Toddler Milestones I Cant Wait For

Three-year-olds are always on the go, at the edge of chaos and full of joy. My little boy has mastered speaking, showing independence and doing everything enthusiastically. Things are easier (kind of), but toddlerhood is still a fresh challenge–especially when I see milestones that can’t come soon enough. 7 Toddler Milestones I Cant Wait For

Here are the seven milestones that I cannot wait for my child to reach. Not because I’m trying to push him, but because each milestone signals progress, freedom, and perhaps even a little peace (ok, okay, a lot). 

1. Buckle Your Seatbelt Without the Drama

It’s something I’ve always wanted. When he gets into his car, buckles it himself and doesn’t flail or stiffen into a mannequin, I will throw a little party.

We are currently in the middle of a drama that is back and forth:

• He frees himself.
• I chase.
• He refused to stay.
• How did that arm end up in his pants, I wonder?! (Toddler Houdini stuff.)

Once he’s mastered this, it will be Freedom. No more tug of war on the way to kindergarten or grandma’s house.

2. Remote Control Operation Without a Lurking RSI

Let’s face it: I’ve already survived one repetitive strain injury related to a remote control. I’m not going to go through it again. And Mr. 3 watches so many — from dinosaur documentaries, to Thomas the Tank Engine repeats.

Now, I am the remote operator.

• Pause.
• Scroll.
• Find the show you want to watch.
• Restart forty minutes later.

This dance has worn thin. When will my little boy be able to:

1. Turn on the TV
2. Click on the show to view it.
3. The volume should be adjusted calmly.

I’ll bask, not in the glow of the TV but in my newly found free hands.

Analysts are always analysing screen time. I’ll consider it a success if the child chooses interactive apps, educational shows or documentaries.

3. Sometimes, it’s better to walk than run

He’s fast. He’ll be halfway across the playground in the blink of an eye, and often straight into danger. He wants to hold my hand one minute, and then he zooms away like a comet.

The dream is:

• Walking beside me.
• Avoid veering onto the street.
• Avoid launching yourself at a kite-wrecking pace through the crowds.

I’ll breathe easier the day no trip is accompanied by fear of falling or escaping. Slowly. Deeply.

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4. Self-feeding

It should be a peaceful time, or at least productive. It’s more of a performance: I spend three hours with him, helping him eat.

• “Open mouth.”
• “Put the spoon down.”
• “No, this is the wrong end.”
• “Swallow it for real!”

He is capable–no question. Distractions, shiny toys and mixed siblings can derail him. A fully independent eater? The day will come when food returns to its original purpose, which was nutrition and not endurance.

5. Clean Eating (Yes, I Dream Big!)

Imagine a dinner platter… with jellybeans, sauce and spinach crumbs that aren’t known. Step forward and you’ll be rewarded with melted macaroni and cheese between your toes.

I want:

• Food that remains on a plate.
• Use of utensils for food (not on the floor).
• Less post-meal Clean-Up Olympics.

I’ll be happy when he stops giving birds rice and just eats. And maybe with a cup of hot coffee made by a machine that doesn’t need to be washed under running water.

6. Silencing Singing Toys

Imagine that plastic sheep voice… fifty, ahem, or at least 50 times per day.

Early literacy is not to be criticised. It will be amazing when those noisy, glittery toys are replaced by books, puzzles or, dare I say, Silence.

7. No more singing cartoons or TV presenters

I’ve tried:

• Quiet shows.
• Fade-outs.
• Headphones.
• Just one more is a tactic.

Nothing works. Next time, I won’t have to endure:

• “Dino Car beatbox!”
• “Squeaky Bus that Sings!”
• “Cartoon dinosaur collecting eggs!”

Never again will I pray.

I hope that my little guy will diversify:

• Talk shows are my thing (but I’m not a cartoonist).
• Into documentaries.
• You can laugh quietly about something that is not being broadcast in high tones.

I’ll even applaud when I see “Finish Watching [Podcast/Youtube]”, instead of “Kid’s Version” on his Netflix.

Why I look forward to these Milestones

1. More independence = More Adult Living

Each new skill he learns will give him more autonomy, allowing for smoother trips, less stress and more “Hey! I can do this!” moments.

2. We both need to respect each other’s boundaries

I am the manager of the following:

• Seatbelts
• Diet
• Micro-meltdowns

The chief traffic cop for toddlers, I hope to retire soon from this endless job description.

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3. Growth is a two-way path

Crying over cereals? Is it him? It’s not over the rejected triangle of toast. What about me? And me? We are learning about tolerance, independence and compromise.

4. It is not about control, but about collaboration

I don’t want him to be compliant, but capable. It is a sign of growth when he decides not to walk, buckle up, or remain in the frame, because he has the ability. It feels real and earned when it occurs with less drama.

When I am not too stressed to think, I will try these tips

For Seatbelt Mastery:

• Watch me, then praise if he clicks on his belt.
• Let him initiate: “Your turn?”
• Stay calm: Every fight offers an opportunity to Learn and not simply leave.

Remote Navigation:

• Create a “remote” corner for him with labels that are kid-proof, such as:
  • Power
  • Pause
  • Skip
• Give a few buttons at first, and lots of quiet cheering.

Teaching Controlled Walking

• Use to time your walks. “Let’s go slow until we reach 20!”
• Create little landing pads, or colored tape marks, anywhere you want him to walk. Turn it into a game.

Food Independence:

• Start by serving finger foods.
• Introduce colourful forks/spoons that are safe for toddlers.
• Asking “Can you take two bites of food before playing?” helps.

Eat Clean:

• Use a divided plate in funny shapes.
• Place a mat under the highchair.
• Use alternate utensils, “spoon, fork and spoon” to keep him focused on the food.

Toy Turn Off:

• In the afternoon, start a quiet toy phase: only books, puzzles and blocks.
• Say “after quiet time” and not “no” when your child asks for a toy. Then, praise him if he replies “ok!”

  

Tone Control for TV:

• When he leaves, switch briefly to adult shows.
• Headphones If he is within earshot, but fading audio can help.
• Offer a fun, quiet alternative (Mahimahi Dada Books).

Final Thoughts

These small milestones–buckling, feeding, turning, walking–aren’t just chores ticked off a list. These milestones are symbols of growth, including independence, competence and maturity.

Am I sentimental or not? Absolutely. I am both relieved and proud of each hurdle that is overcome. We are not hurrying them, but we look forward to the day I can buckle my seatbelt…and he can do his. The remote is kept in the child’s corner. When the snack does not end up on my footwear.

We’ll dance our way through the chaos and celebrate small victories. Toddlerhood can be messy, but it is also magical.