The Joyful Phase of Parenting Is Real, and I’m Experiencing It Now

home insemination Kit

It hit me unexpectedly last week while I was at our local pool. As I glanced around, I saw my kids enjoying themselves. The oldest was splashing around with her friends, her limbs cutting through the water effortlessly. The youngest was showing off by diving off the board with confidence. Meanwhile, my son was in the shade, cracking jokes with his pals. Sitting there with a cup of lukewarm coffee, it struck me: I’m right in the sweet spot of parenthood.

But let me rewind a bit. The day prior had been chaotic. I woke up with the intent to make it a great day, determined not to end up in bed reflecting on every parenting misstep. I was fully present, supportive, and managed to stay calm. Yet, naturally, that was the day my kids decided to turn our home into a battleground, bickering non-stop. I thought ordering pizza would salvage the evening, but then the mess happened.

Ever had one of those days where everything just spirals out of control? It was rough. But the next morning, as I sat by the pool, I took a moment to really see my kids. Despite the chaos of the previous day, I realized that:

• Those are my kids: healthy, vibrant, and full of life.
• I’m not stuck in the baby pool, trying to ignore how grimy it is.
• No diapers in the heat of summer—everyone can manage on their own.
• I haven’t had to remind anyone not to drink the pool water.
• Strollers? Haven’t used one in over a year.
• We’re all mostly sleeping through the night.
• The constant “mommy mommy mommy” calls have decreased significantly.
• I can enjoy some bathroom time alone (almost 40% of the time!).
• While they’re becoming more independent, they still seek my company.
• Hugs and snuggles are still on the table, but they can also help out at home.

I realized I’m in the sweet spot right now. I took a moment to absorb this perspective. For years, I’d been lost in what I call The Blur—sleep-deprived, eating cold meals off cartoon plates, with life dictated by nap times and preschool pick-ups. But somehow, things have shifted over the past year, and I didn’t even notice.

The Blur is starting to sharpen. I understand now what everyone meant when they said time flies. When my children were younger, days dragged on, and my world felt tiny and isolating. The hour before my husband got home? It felt eternal. But I also remember the sweet scent of their baby heads and the tiny feet that have now grown big and stinky. That chapter of my life has closed, and here I am with three kids who are just the right size—big enough to be a little independent, yet still little enough to need me.

Oh, how I wish this phase could last longer! I didn’t even realize we’d arrived in this moment until it was almost over. What’s next? Teen hormones, social media, and all the pressures that come with it? I can wait for that. Can we just stay in this sweet spot just a bit longer?

That day at the pool, I reflected on our experiences, and the chaos of the previous day felt more humorous in hindsight. That evening, we talked about how our summer was going. My son, excited from swim practice, started explaining how to find a “sweet spot” when diving. He was animated, demonstrating with his arms, then suddenly froze in a pose, looking up as if he were in deep thought.

Then he resumed his animated explanation, shouting, “DID YOU SEE THAT? THAT WAS THE SWEET SPOT! WHEN YOU TURN AND BREATHE DEEPLY, IT SETS YOU UP TO BE AWESOME!” His exuberance was contagious, but then he noticed my tearful face and asked, “MOMMY, WHY DO YOU LOOK CONSTIPATED?” Kids really know how to make you laugh.

I shared with him that I had been thinking about our sweet spot as a family. He looked at me like I had two heads, but it was sweet. I explained that in baseball, finding the sweet spot is when everything aligns perfectly, leading to a fantastic hit. He cheered up, and we talked about how that idea applies to life.

I suppose it’s okay that this sweet spot is temporary; all good things are. It exists for a reason. We use it to prepare ourselves for whatever comes next. Raising kids seems like a mix of luck, determination, and daily effort. If done right, they won’t just leave—they will soar into their futures. And all we can hope for is that we have helped them to be absolutely incredible.

In summary, I’m finding joy in this moment of parenting, savoring the sweet spot with my kids, and recognizing the fleeting nature of these times. It’s a reminder that while challenges are inevitable, the good moments are worth cherishing.