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Navigating the In-Between Years: A Journey in Parenting
I can’t quite pinpoint when it all changed, but it definitely did. Was it during the summer? Or perhaps it happened earlier, maybe last fall? Did it occur in a sudden moment, like a dramatic explosion, marked by some milestone I missed? Or was it a slow, sneaky shift that snuck up on me until—BAM!—the truth became glaringly clear?
Whatever the case, here we are, smack in the middle of those in-between years.
There were times I honestly believed we might never escape the endless cycle of baby, toddler, and preschool phases. I thought parenthood would be a never-ending series of diaper changes, nap times, and time-outs. Yet here I am, watching both of my kids—now in kindergarten and third grade—grow beyond those little boxes we often use to categorize childhood. We’ve long left behind the ups and downs of babyhood, and while they sometimes act like mini teenagers, those moments are becoming rarer. We’re still a few years away from the whirlwind of adolescence, and even further from the days of them leaving home. My kids are young, but not too young; they’re big, yet still little. They are perfectly in-between.
These in-between years mean they’re old enough to ask about things like where babies come from but still young enough to hang on to the magic of Santa. We aren’t tied down to nap schedules anymore, but they still crave bedtime tuck-ins and snuggling under their favorite blankets. Instead of t-ball, we’ve graduated to kid-pitch baseball, where it’s not unusual to see a player crying on the sidelines. Our summer included epic sleepovers and daring dives off the high board, but also sweet parades and playdates in the kiddie pool. We’ve enjoyed “The Hobbit” and “Guardians of the Galaxy,” as well as “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and “Gravity Falls.” They can shower on their own, but bath time still happens every other day, as those pesky hormones haven’t kicked in just yet.
There’s something wonderfully balanced about these in-between years. Parenting is still challenging, but it’s mixed with the innocence of childhood. My kids need me less desperately now and want me in a more grown-up way. It’s no wonder these years are often referred to as the sweet spot.
But, while there’s a sweetness to this time, it can also feel a bit unsettling. With every new step toward independence, I watch as the threads of childhood slowly start to unravel. And I can’t ignore the storm that’s brewing on the horizon. The in-between years are a blend of relief, anxiety, excitement, fear, contentment, and confusion.
And this period isn’t just a transition for my kids; it’s a transition for me as a mom, too. For the past several years, I’ve been a stay-at-home parent, and my children’s routines shaped my own. But with my youngest starting kindergarten, I feel the world opening up again—a mix of liberating and intimidating feelings all at once.
Some days, navigating this new territory feels like walking on scorching sand. I tread carefully, often making hasty decisions, worried I’ll miss something important if I’m not quick enough. Other days, I feel trapped in thick mud, struggling with the changing roles and responsibilities.
Most days, however, I feel like I’m strolling along a beach, the sand firm yet cool beneath my feet. The tide may be shifting, but I’m not entirely sure which way it’s moving. Before I know it, everything will change, and I’ll need to adapt. For now, though, I’m focusing on the “for now.” Right now, these in-between years are exactly where I want to be.
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Summary
The in-between years of parenting bring a blend of challenges and joys as children grow and embrace independence. It’s a time where innocence meets the need for autonomy, creating a bittersweet experience for both kids and parents. As both sides navigate this transition, there’s a unique balance to be found, making it a beautiful stage of development.