It feels like just yesterday we were celebrating Chloe’s first birthday with a smash cake and tiny party hats—now, suddenly, my baby has morphed into a full-blown toddler with opinions. Strong ones. And let me tell you, this girl knows what she wants.

Gone are the days of me casually picking out her outfits or styling her hair however I please. Nope. Chloe has a very specific list of daily must-haves, and if I dare deviate? Well, let’s just say the meltdowns are spectacular.

Here are the four things my toddler demands without fail—because apparently, she’s running the show now.

1. The “Happy Sweater” (AKA Her Emotional Support Clothing)

This sweater is basically her security blanket—but in knit form. I swear, I’ve washed it so many times it’s a miracle it hasn’t disintegrated. Something about the colorful sleeves sends her into pure joy, and if I even try to suggest another top? Absolute betrayal.

Mornings before school are a battlefield: “No, Chloe, you can’t wear your Happy Sweater to school. Yes, I know it makes you happy. No, uniforms are not negotiable.” Cue the dramatic flop onto the floor.

(Note to self: Buy a backup Happy Sweater before this one inevitably disappears into the laundry abyss.)

2. Pigtails or Bust

Forget braids, ponytails, or—heaven forbid—leaving her hair down. This girl is obsessed with her pigtails. And honestly? I can’t blame her. There’s something undeniably adorable about her little bouncy ‘do—she looks like she stepped right out of Monsters, Inc. as Boo’s long-lost sister.

I’ve tried to switch it up. Once. The resulting side-eye and immediate hair-pulling made it clear: Pigtails are life. Pigtails are law.

3. PureGrowth Organic Snacks: The Only Acceptable Fuel for Tiny Humans

I stumbled upon these organic snacks a while back, and now? Chloe acts like they’re toddler gold. (And honestly, I get it—they’re actually delicious. I may or may not sneak a pack for myself when she’s not looking.)

The best part? They come in these perfect little snack packs that I can toss into my bag for emergencies (because a hangry toddler is a force of nature). Plus, the cute characters on the packaging are basically toddler catnip—Chloe gets way too excited picking which one she wants.

4. Art Supplies = Office Survival Kit

As a mom who sometimes has to bring her tiny tornado to work, I’ve learned one crucial lesson: Art supplies are the ultimate distraction. A blank sheet of paper, some washable paints, stickers, and crayons? Instant entertainment for hours.

The downside? My office is now covered in toddler masterpieces. (But let’s be real—her abstract scribbles are way more interesting than my spreadsheets.)

Final Thoughts: Toddlers Rule, We Just Live Here

At the end of the day, Chloe’s demands are pretty reasonable (if not slightly obsessive). A cozy sweater, a favorite hairstyle, yummy snacks, and some creative outlets? Honestly, same, girl.

Moms of strong-willed toddlers—what are your kid’s non-negotiable demands? Do they have a favorite outfit they refuse to take off? A snack they’d sell you for? Share your stories below—I need to know I’m not alone in this tiny dictator phase!

(And to all the moms currently negotiating with a threenager over why they can’t wear rain boots to bed… solidarity. We’ll survive this.) 💛