My kids are currently mastering the fine art of saying “no.” Not politely. Not quietly. Just… no. Loud, dramatic, Oscar-worthy NOs. Apparently, boundaries are very important — especially when it comes to wearing pants or eating anything that isn’t shaped like a dinosaur.

Meanwhile, I’m learning too. Learning how to breathe deeply while someone screams about the color of their cup. Learning how to look calm while my insides are basically that scene from The Perfect Storm. Learning that “gentle parenting” sometimes means walking into another room and muttering to yourself like a cartoon villain until you can smile again.

But here’s the wild thing: in between the chaos, I can feel myself growing too. I’m learning to stay steady when their little worlds explode. I’m learning to find humor in the meltdowns (after the fact, obviously). And somehow, I’m learning that even on the messiest days, we’re all going to be okay.

So to every mom standing under the tantrum skies — solidarity. We’re out here, surviving snack negotiations and finding our footing, one deep breath (and cold cup of coffee) at a time.