Let’s be honest: no one truly wants their kids to remain small forever. If you say you do, you might be deceiving yourself. When I hear parents exclaim, “Don’t grow up! Stay little forever!” it drives me a bit bonkers. While it sounds like a sweet sentiment, it implies that you might like your children less as they grow older.
Caring for little ones is no walk in the park — it’s downright challenging. I’ve had moments during those early years that were so overwhelming that I can hardly remember them. That may sound alarming, but here’s the silver lining: things get much better as they age.
Believe it or not, they do grow up, and when they do, life becomes easier, more enjoyable, and far less stressful. If we cut ourselves some slack, we might even find that we can enjoy this phase a bit more without feeling guilty for not cherishing every moment. Yes, we appreciate some aspects of it, but it’s perfectly normal not to soak in every detail (let’s face it, most of the time, we’re too exhausted to even try).
The days spent with babies and toddlers can feel like a never-ending cycle of diapers, teething, potty training, and cleaning up spills. Sure, we may look back fondly at those chubby little hands and sweet kisses, but let’s be real — we won’t miss the chaos that came with it.
Then there are those well-meaning reminders like, “You’ll miss these moments when they’re gone.” Sure, but when those moments fade, it means our kids are growing up and becoming independent, responsible individuals who can wash their own hands (and maybe even their own clothes).
As a parent of a toddler, an elementary school child, and a teenager all at once, I can tell you that it truly gets easier. Older kids can help out around the house, crack jokes that make you laugh, and even babysit their younger siblings. It’s a joyous experience to see my older children shine as unique individuals with their own talents and wit. Watching them care for the little ones is a magical sight.
Of course, life can still be hectic, with moments that make you feel like your head is spinning in multiple directions. Bigger kids come with bigger challenges, but for the first time in years, I’m managing to get enough sleep. I feel productive, more than just keeping my head above water — it’s a refreshing change.
When I glance back at photos capturing the sweetness of those early years, I feel a twinge of nostalgia. But I also remember (or more accurately, I’ve blocked out) the chaos that was happening behind the scenes. I’m relieved that the toughest moments are behind us.
We will all be thankful when our children can take care of themselves — from wiping their own behinds to reading independently and driving themselves to school. Our goal is to raise responsible adults, right? They’ll eventually move out and create families of their own, so why not embrace the journey?
And who knows? One day, we might just have adorable grandbabies to snuggle, only to hand them back to their parents at bedtime.
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Summary:
Parenting can be tough, especially during the early years filled with challenges. However, as kids grow, life becomes easier and more enjoyable. Embracing the journey instead of longing for the past allows parents to appreciate the unique individuals their children become.