If you’ve ever found yourself hiding in the bathroom just to eat a snack in peace, congratulations, you’re officially the parent of a preschooler. Welcome to the club! It’s loud, it’s messy, and at times, it’s like negotiating with a tiny, irrational dictator who refuses to put on pants.
You’ve probably been bombarded with parenting advice from every corner of the internet (and that one overly opinionated mom at the park). But here’s the thing, some of that advice is straight-up nonsense. Let’s bust these myths wide open and make your life way easier.
Myth 1: A Consistent Bedtime Routine Means They’ll Always Go to Bed on Time
Oh, wouldn’t that be nice? You dim the lights, read a sweet bedtime story, kiss them goodnight, and, BAM!, they’re out like a dream.
Except… that never happens. Ever.
Reality check: No matter how perfectly curated your bedtime routine is, some nights your child will pop out of bed 14 times with increasingly creative excuses. “My sock feels weird.” “I need a different stuffed animal.” “Did you know dinosaurs had feathers?”
The Fix: Stick to a consistent routine anyway, kids thrive on predictability. But also, introduce a time-to-rise clock like the Hatch Rest or a simple color-changing nightlight. When it’s red, they stay in bed. When it’s green, they can get up. It’s a game-changer.
Myth 2: Tantrums Mean You’re a Bad Parent
If that were true, then every single parent of a preschooler would be failing.
Tantrums are just part of the preschool experience, like snack crumbs in your purse and the constant soundtrack of “Baby Shark” in your head.
The Fix: Instead of feeling guilty, recognize tantrums for what they are: big feelings in tiny bodies. Give your child words for their emotions (“You’re really frustrated because your tower fell down!”), and try a calm-down corner stocked with sensory tools like fidget toys or a weighted lap pad. If all else fails, deep breaths and coffee. Lots of coffee.
Myth 3: Good Parents Never Use Screen Time
Let’s all just take a collective deep sigh at this one.
We’ve been told that screen time turns our kids into zombies, melts their brains, and somehow causes the downfall of civilization. But guess what? Sometimes, you need 20 minutes to cook dinner without someone climbing the fridge.
The Fix: Use screen time strategically. Educational shows like Bluey (which, let’s be honest, is more for us than them) or interactive apps like Khan Academy Kids can be actual lifesavers. The key? Balance. And no guilt.
Myth 4: You Should Be Doing Pinterest-Worthy Crafts Every Day
If you love crafting, that’s amazing. But if the thought of glitter makes you break out in hives, you’re not alone.
No child has ever suffered because their mom didn’t turn toilet paper rolls into a 3D solar system.
The Fix: Stock up on mess-free art supplies like Water Wow! coloring books or sticker activity pads. They’re fun, zero cleanup, and won’t leave you questioning your life choices.
Myth 5: Preschoolers Should Be Able to Entertain Themselves for Hours
“Just let them play independently,” they say. “It builds creativity,” they say. Meanwhile, your child has played for exactly 90 seconds before demanding you be a pirate, a pony, and a snack-fetching servant.
The Fix: Try a rotation toy bin system. Put most of their toys away and only leave out a few at a time. It keeps things fresh and magically extends independent playtime. Also, a play kitchen or magnetic tiles are solid investments, these bad boys hold attention longer than anything else.
Myth 6: You Must Be 100% Engaged Every Moment
Preschoolers will try to convince you that playing “hide and seek” (aka you hiding while they forget to seek) is a mandatory all-day activity. But you are allowed to have a moment to yourself.
The Fix: Teach them the “special alone time” trick, set a timer for 10 minutes where they play quietly while you sip coffee like a human being. Use a visual timer so they can see the countdown. Start small and increase the time. It works, I promise!
Myth 7: You Don’t Need a Stroller Anymore
Ah, the age-old lie that once your child can walk, you’ll never need a stroller again. Fast forward to reality: a preschooler who walks slower than a snail when you’re in a hurry, then suddenly refuses to walk at all.
The Fix: Get yourself a lightweight travel stroller or a ride-on board for your existing stroller. Because carrying a 40-pound child through a crowded mall is a workout no one signed up for.
Final Thoughts: Ditch the Myths and Embrace the Chaos
Preschoolers are wild, unpredictable, and sometimes absolutely exhausting. But they’re also hilarious, cuddly, and full of wonder. The best thing you can do? Let go of the unrealistic expectations and find what actually works for you.
Now, tell me, which of these myths have you fallen for? And what’s your best preschooler survival tip? Drop it in the comments, I promise, we’re all in this together!