After a recent play date with a group of mommy friends and their preschool-aged kids, I realize that despite the differences between all our families, some universal truths are shared between Moms of preschoolers.

Truth #1:  You will spend at least an hour a day convincing your preschooler to put on his PJs/shoes/hat/sweater.

I don’t know why, but a preschooler’s budding independence seems to manifest in a fierce rejection of specific articles of clothing.  In my house, it is a refusal to wear socks. Why it is such a daily surprise to my son, Max, that he must put on socks before tennis shoes remains a mystery to me. Every day, it’s like I’m suddenly introducing a new form of foot covering.  If he even sees me approaching his sock drawer, he looks at me in horror and yells, “NO SOCKS!” and then runs in the other direction.  I realize that in the big scheme of things, not wearing socks isn’t that big a deal (thank you, flip-flops).  I must admit that I’m feel luckier than my friend Christine, whose son refuses to wear pants.

Truth #2:  You swore you wouldn’t, but you say “Because I said so!” on a regular basis.  

Before I had kids, I swore I’d never utter that phrase, because it seemed so empty.  Why couldn't I simply spend time simply explaining to my child the reason for whatever request I was making?  Why couldn’t I patiently describe what I needed?  I’ll tell you why … because living with a preschooler, I am dealing with someone with questionable levels of rationality and sanity at any given moment.   Oh, and I’m referring to me, not the kid.

Truth #3:  You won’t even notice when you utter ridiculous phrases like “Please get that spaghetti off your underwear,” with a nonchalance that would make your former self wince.

After wiping pee, poo and puke for the first couple years of a child’s life, it seems like nothing can faze you any longer.   Other  favorites in our household are “Please take your trains out of my shoes” and “Please stop putting yogurt on your sister.”

Truth #4:  A hug never gets old.

No matter what frustration or annoyance of the day, a cuddle with your child or a genuine “I love you” from your child never gets worn.  Who would ever guess that you would have more and more love to give your child each day?  But you do.

What truth have you found about raising preschoolers?