In the world of parenting, children often serve up surprises that leave their parents both amused and amazed. One such moment unfolded for Brandi Mills, a mom from West Virginia, when her 19-month-old daughter, Laney, showcased her unique approach to putting a baby doll to bed.
Picture this: a TikTok video that’s captured the hearts of over 4.4 million viewers. It starts with Brandi handing her toddler a baby doll, presumably expecting a gentle bedtime routine to follow. But without missing a beat, Laney drops the doll into its crib as if performing an everyday task, then nonchalantly tosses the doll’s bottle into the crib—a move that earns her mom’s laughter off-camera and a cheeky caption about needing parenting classes.
The video sparked a hilariously relatable conversation among parents in the comments section. Some joked about how they’ve been doing it wrong all along, while others humorously empathized with Laney’s straightforward parenting style. One parent chimed in, ‘She said gentle parenting is NOT her style.’ Another added, ‘She gonna need her village because girly is STRESSED.’ Brandi shared with Newsweek that she almost didn’t post this little gem, but it was too funny for her family to ignore. ‘Kids can be so innocently funny,’ Brandi remarked, with plans to save this clip for Laney to watch at her future baby shower.
Laney’s bedtime antics are more than just a source of laughter. Experts remind us that such pretend play is an essential part of a child’s development. The American Academy of Pediatrics highlights how imaginative play aids in developing empathy, problem-solving skills, and the ability to interact socially. Even when it involves a bottle being hurled into a crib, these moments are revealing and valuable. Dr. Michael Yogman, in the AAP’s report on play, underscores the importance of such activities, stating that play helps build crucial brain structures and supports executive functioning.
@yogimamablooms I fear she may need some parenting classes 😅😂
For parents bewildered by their toddlers’ chaotic replicas of daily routines, remember: this disorder is perfectly normal and even beneficial. Parenting expert Janet Lansbury points out that unpredictability in childhood merely opens doors for learning. Embracing these messy moments enables kids to develop key skills like confidence and emotional intelligence. Rather than seeing them as interruptions, parents can view these instances as opportunities for growth and exploration.
The reality remains that toddlers like Laney will always find ways to innovate with their routines, taking cues from adults and putting their own spin on them. Brandi captures this perfectly by already imagining sharing the video with Laney in the future as a cherished memory of her early personality—a natural blend of innocence and humor. For now, Laney’s unconventional method of bottle tossing has made her a star on social media, leaving parents laughing and nodding in knowing agreement.
In the spectacularly unpredictable world of toddlers, there’s beauty in the chaos. As seen with Laney’s viral moment, these little instances offer a glimpse into the imaginative minds of children and remind us that parenting, while often messy, is filled with laughter and learning.
Source: Yahoo
