Moms often hear the advice to take a step back and choose their battles wisely, which is solid guidance, albeit a tad vexing at times. Yet, it’s essential to recognize those “minor” victories in parenting—those delightful, often overlooked moments that deserve a nod of appreciation.
Now, this isn’t another one of those articles urging you to “cherish every second” of motherhood, which can feel as realistic as convincing your child to finish a broccoli-laden casserole. While you navigate the ups and downs of parenting—both figurative and literal—don’t forget to relish those small triumphs that, while not as monumental as first steps or eagerly awaited first words, make this journey both rewarding and sometimes hilariously chaotic. Here are 30 moments to celebrate:
- The first time they use the toilet instead of the floor (or, heaven forbid, your hands).
- Realizing you can manage just about anything with one arm while cradling a baby in the other.
- When everyone actually eats the meal you prepared without a single complaint.
- Hearing your kids apologize to each other without you having to shout, “You better say you’re sorry RIGHT NOW!”
- Watching your child pour a jug of milk without spilling a drop.
- The first time you give “The Look,” and they stop what they’re doing.
- Sharing a laugh over the same joke with your kid.
- Discovering the exact number of GoGurts in the box matches the number of kids asking for one.
- The moment when the baby prefers someone else to hold them long enough for you to take a shower.
- When more water stays in the tub than splashes onto the floor during bath time.
- Your toddler finally stops insisting you cut off the crusts on their sandwiches.
- The day they tackle their own laundry for the first time…
- … and don’t ruin a single piece of clothing.
- Successfully transferring a sleeping baby from car seat to crib without waking them.
- Pulling off a diaper change in the backseat without the car turning into a disaster zone.
- Finding that lost teddy bear just in time to prevent a bedtime meltdown.
- When your child dresses themselves for the day…
- … in something that somewhat coordinates…
- … and is actually suitable for the weather.
- Just kidding—numbers 17 to 19 will probably never happen together.
- Those unexpected hugs from your teenager that catch you off guard.
- The first time they use a curse word correctly in context. (You might not love hearing it, especially if aimed at your boss or mother-in-law, but there’s a strange satisfaction in a well-placed “Oh shoot!”)
- Watching your child mow the lawn while you sip iced tea and offer occasional waves of encouragement.
- When they nod off during the first few pages of a bedtime story.
- The pride that comes when your toddler counts to 15 without skipping, or saying “eleventeen.”
- The first time your kid draws something you can actually recognize.
- When your kids manage to sleep through part of a long road trip.
- Surviving a slumber party without any major incidents.
- The moment your child realizes they’ve interrupted you…
- … and actually pauses to let you finish your thought.
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In summary, motherhood is filled with both extraordinary and mundane moments that deserve recognition. Celebrate the little victories that make parenting a unique and fulfilling adventure, even when the journey gets a little bumpy.