Susmaryosep! Parents Share What Their Toddlers Did While They Were Not Looking

If you have a toddler in your home, most likely, you live by the rule "Never leave your child unattended." And you know it's easier said than done.

When your toddler suddenly keeps quiet, it doesn't always mean peace but rather a sign of impending chaos.

One minute you are peacefully and mindfully preparing a cup of milk for your daughter, and then you go to the ref quickly to get something, and then you'll find that the milk is no longer in the cup but all over your freshly mopped floor. Literally, nalingat ka lang. 

As much as you want to have your rooms look tidy and Instagram-ready, parents of toddlers know that it's an endless and winless battle. Having mini-heart attacks every five minutes is normal. Yes, it happens to the best of us - even to celebrity moms like Rica Peralejo Bonifacio, Ryza Cenon and Iya Villania.

In the Smart Parenting Village, our Facebook group for moms and dads, parents share crazy and funny photos of their toddlers that will assure you - you are not alone. We started a thread and asked parents to fill in the blanks of the beginning of every parent of a toddler's horror story: "Nalingat lang ako -." Here are their funniest entries!

'Nalingat lang ako' toddler moments

'Instant maputi na siya'

What else would you do with baby powder right? Mommy Bebe Ramallosa shared a photo of her 1.5 year old son checking the powder's expiry date and realizing it's still fine. Oops.

'Kalma self, anak mo yan'

Mommy Nikka Anne De Guzman shared her LO's photo doing the same and said, "Ayoko nalang talaga mag-salita."

'Champorado scrub'

Mommy Glaiza Adan shared a photo of her 2-year-old son chilling and having the best time in his DIY champorado scrub. "Nag-aalmusal po siya ng champorado tapos iniwan ko saglit para kumuha ng water niya. Pagbalik ko, ginawang scrub na yung champorado!"

She added, "Tapos sabi ko sa kanya, what did you do? Ayan dedma. Di ako tinitingnan!"

On fleek

Mommy Cath Checa shared a photo of her eldest daughter, who is now 13, who drew an eyebrow like a pro, at 4 years old. "Kilay is life," she shared.

"Super unforgettable moment kaya yan yung entry ko," she said. She added, "And mukang namana ng bunso ung ginagawa ng ate niya." Just take a look at this!

Patience is a virtue

Mommy Grace Leo Rovillos-Valencia meanwhile shared a photo of her son, who seems to be showing signs of independence as early as 2. "After niya po maligo yan. Routine kasi namin mag-lotion, cologne, clean ears at comb hair after ligo. Pinadede ko lang po saglit baby sister niya na 8 months old. Ayan po, hindi na siya nakapaghintay haha."

Future chef

Mommy Khurl Anne Felice Bron-Mejia shared her toddler's newest specialty: ginisang cotton buds. She said it best, "Ano ba 'tong niluto mo nak? Kaya pala nananahimik ka!"

It never ends

And just when you thought that when your toddler gets older, it gets better, Mommy Mykee Sumatra Jose shared a photo of her 4-year-old putting feet powder all over his body.

Ninja moves

Mommy Iana shared a photo of her son who at 1 year old has decided on what he wants to be in the future. "Nalingat lang ako, naging ninja na anak ko," she said.

Ready for mature roles

Mommy Jojie Jugo-Velasco meanwhile discovered that her son is an aspiring action star, "Nalingat lang ako, mag-stunt na ang anak ko." Susmaryosep!

Join the conversation at the Smart Parenting Village here.

How to deal with a makulit na toddler

1. Praise good behavior

Preschool directress Sharon Alfonso said in a previous article that giving small rewards like stickers and stamps is good for your little one. When they clean up their toys or eat veggies, give them a sticker. If they don't, give them a "sad face" stamp to let them know how you feel about what they did.

Meanwhile, Dr. Michele Alignay, a family psychologist and member of the Smart Parenting Board of Experts gave tips on how to praise your child better. Watch this video.

2. Keep calm, and in some cases, ignore.

While it's tempting to shout at them or punish them every time they do a silly act, especially if it's just minor offense, you may ignore it, says pediatrician Dr. Ari Brown, the co-author of the “411” parenting book series and Parents advisor. "Kids will do many things in the name of getting your attention. If your child doesn't get a rise out of you, she will probably stop doing it," Dr. Brown said. Read more tips here.

Take heart, parents: Our one-year-olds and two-year-olds are not little psychopaths who want to drive you insane. They just love to explore with their hands and are naturally curious about how things work. It's not your fault that they are like that, but more like they need you to pay more attention because they are living their best life. 

When you can't control your toddler, should you spank them? Child and family expert Dr. Gail Galang weighs in. Watch this.