As I scroll through my Facebook memories, I find myself tearing up at the glimpses of my children’s early years. My youngest is about to start kindergarten this fall, and I’m feeling a wave of nostalgia. He’s excited, but I’m not quite ready for this next chapter. Time moves so quickly, and looking back, I realize I was eager for my kids to become independent, relishing the quiet moments while they engaged in activities of their own. However, I now understand the advice to “let them be little.”
Those early years are fleeting; they may feel long while you’re in them, but they end all too soon. I find myself regretting not embracing their childhood a bit more when I had the chance. I’m not overly hard on myself, though. I’ve entered a new phase of parenting where I’m more patient and willing to indulge in their fleeting moments of innocence. I say yes to another bedtime story, and I genuinely enjoy making their lunches, even though they could do it themselves.
I finally grasp what it means to let them be little. It’s about truly listening when they talk; one day, the sweet mispronunciations will fade from memory. Recently, my youngest bounded out of his room with his tousled hair and blanket, exclaiming, “Mommy! I slept weally good this night.” I want those adorable phrases etched in my mind forever.
It means accepting that some days will move at a snail’s pace, allowing my kids to take their time. Life will soon be filled with soccer games and school activities, but for now, I relish moments where my 5-year-old needs to organize his Pokémon cards just right before we leave. It gives me precious time to remember the last vestiges of his toddlerhood.
Letting them be little means asking for hugs and kisses while I can, knowing that soon they might shy away from public displays of affection. It’s about spontaneous afternoons spent building forts instead of folding laundry or baking cookies just to see the thrill on their faces when they crack eggs for the first time.
It’s saying yes more often, even when I’m not in the mood to watch another cartoon or visit the park. It’s about helping them put on shoes and cutting the crusts off their sandwiches, even when they’re capable of doing it themselves. When they’re worn out from a busy day, I happily lend a hand with brushing teeth, grateful that they still need me.
Encouraging them to bring their favorite blanket on trips or letting them fill their pockets with toys for a simple grocery run are small ways to hold onto their childhood just a little longer. It’s about making their plates and cutting up their food, relishing that they still want my help.
I’ve learned to overlook the chaotic mess in their rooms because it signifies joy and memories in the making. One day, I’ll miss that clutter, which will serve as a reminder of the fun that once filled our home.
While I won’t preach to new moms about letting their kids be little, I can’t help but wish I had embraced that mindset sooner. I find solace in the moments I did cherish their youth and in the mom I’ve become—more patient, kinder, and at peace.
Ultimately, letting them be little reflects my growth as a mother. I’m no longer the exhausted woman desperate for a peaceful moment, but instead, I savor every magical second of their childhood, knowing it won’t last forever. So, I’m fully embracing their littleness now, soaking up every last drop before it slips away.
If you want to explore more about home insemination, check out this post here. For those seeking further insights, Make a Mom is an excellent resource. Additionally, UCSF offers valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary: The article reflects on the bittersweet nature of parenting, emphasizing the importance of cherishing childhood moments before they pass. It highlights the need for patience, connection, and allowing children to be little, while also acknowledging the growth of the parent in the process.