What do bad writers and toddlers have in common?

Children are a wonderful, precious, exasperating gift.

If you’ve spent any amount of time around little ones—especially of the toddler variety— you know that they’re a roller coaster of emotions, outbursts and unpredictable antics.

Unfortunately, toddlers and bad writers have quite a lot in common.

It’s not that much of a stretch, really.

Toddler = not yet a fully-formed human.

Bad writer = not yet a fully-developed writer.

Here are 12 traits shared by 2-year-olds and immature writers:

1. Both are completely self-absorbed.

Toddler: I want ice cream NOW! (waking up entire household at 6 a.m.)

Bad writer: I write for myself, not for my readers.

I don’t bother to provide entertainment or value to my readers.

It’s all about me.

2. Toddlers and bad writers have a limited worldview.

Toddler: I don’t like that kind.

I only like this kind.

I don’t want it.

Yuck!

Bad writer: I assume everyone shares my opinions and experiences.

I don’t consider other cultures or perspectives when I write.

If they don’t like it, they don’t have to read it.