As I glance across the living room, I see my son meticulously assembling his latest Lego masterpiece. His fingers skillfully manipulate the blocks, and I can’t help but notice his broadening shoulders and the lengthening of his neck. My gaze drifts to his face, which is transforming before my eyes — his chin sharper, his cheeks less round, and his nose taking on a more defined shape since the last time I truly observed him.
In that moment, as I watch my youngest child — my baby boy — it hits me like a ton of bricks. My heartbeat quickens as I think, Oh my goodness, he’s not little anymore.
I scramble to recall when this shift happened, trying to pinpoint the exact moment when he transitioned from “little” to “big.” His 8-year-old frame is now devoid of any remnants of childhood innocence. When did that transformation occur? It feels like I turned away for just a second, and my baby has vanished — just like that.
Now, in his place, sits a remarkable, intelligent, and humorous child. He can read, ride a bike, prepare his own snacks, and tie his shoes. It’s a beautiful yet poignant realization, a mix of joy and sorrow, freedom and fear. While I’ve cherished every milestone in my children’s lives, the moment I recognize that they are “not little anymore” always catches me off guard. It’s a bittersweet realization that we’ve completely moved past a significant stage of childhood.
The years of early childhood are challenging, but they are also incredibly sweet. I adored my time with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. I relished their first steps and their attempts at real conversation. I cherished their soft skin and wispy hair, the comforting scent of their heads, and how they would melt against me in slumber. Those early years are filled with wonder, magic, and countless precious moments.
Yet, moving beyond that stage comes with its own set of advantages. Now that all three of my children are “big,” parenting has become physically easier. I don’t miss changing diapers or cleaning sippy cups, nor do I long for the days of wrestling squirmy toddlers into car seats. While toddler tantrums were challenging, tween tantrums are a different beast altogether. I also don’t miss having to monitor their every move to prevent accidents. With big kids comes a newfound freedom, and it’s absolutely liberating.
However, every gain comes with a loss. As my children grow taller, I feel myself becoming smaller in their world. While I’m relieved to no longer be the center of their universe, I can’t help but worry about the external influences that will soon shape them. They are racing toward independence, and while this was always the plan, it’s now starkly clear. Letting them go is proving to be far more difficult than I ever imagined.
My eldest is now 16, on the brink of adulthood, but I vividly recall her snuggling up in my lap with a book. My middle child, now 12, writes intricate stories for fun — wasn’t it just yesterday that she was learning to scribble her name? And now, my youngest is transitioning from little kid to big kid seemingly overnight, filling my heart with both pride and a tinge of heartbreak.
We all know that children will grow up; it’s a natural part of life. We have them to nurture and guide them as they develop. Yet, nothing can truly prepare you for this journey. Babies and toddlers seem like they’ll remain young forever, even as you witness their daily growth. They get bigger, but they still feel small, and this cycle continues for years. Then, one day, those cherished little years are just gone — without warning or celebration.
If you find yourself in the midst of those early years, hang in there. I know it can be tough, and you won’t miss many of those difficult moments when they’re behind you. But the joyful giggles, the adorable toothy grins, the chubby cheeks, and the tiny toes — they will all fade away. It will happen quickly, probably while you’re distracted.
So savor every moment. Breathe in their sweet scent, hold them tightly while they still want to be held, and cuddle with them as much as possible. Though their growth may seem gradual, one day you’ll turn around and barely recognize your child.
Your little one will suddenly be all grown up. Before you know it. Just like that.
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