As a parent, I’ve reached that bittersweet point where every Facebook memory evokes a wave of nostalgia, often bringing tears to my eyes. I find myself sharing these memories, especially since my little ones—my heart—are no longer in the house.
This fall, my youngest will start kindergarten, and it feels like my heart is breaking. He’s ready, but I’m not quite there yet. Time has a way of slipping by so swiftly. When I reflect on the past, I realize I was eagerly anticipating this new phase—one filled with independent kids and peaceful afternoons while they engaged in their own activities. I relished those quiet moments, but now I truly understand the sentiment behind “let them be little.”
The reality is that having young children around is a fleeting experience. It may feel drawn-out while you’re immersed in it, but it ends all too quickly. Now, I often ponder why I didn’t cherish their littleness more while I had the chance.
I’m not wallowing in regret, though. I’ve embraced this new phase of parenting with more patience and a willingness to indulge their occasional bursts of childhood wonder. I say yes to one more bedtime story and find joy in packing their lunches, even when they could do it themselves.
Now, I fully grasp the meaning of “let them be little.” It means truly listening to their words, as their innocent mispronunciations will fade from memory if I don’t pay attention. Just the other day, my youngest bounded out of his room with his tousled hair and blanket, exclaiming, “Mommy! I slept weally good this night.” I mentally noted his adorable mix-up of “really” and “this night” and wished to remember those moments forever.
It also means accepting that some days will pass at a snail’s pace because that’s how little ones operate. Soon, we’ll be rushing to soccer games and play rehearsals, but for now, I’m okay with my 5-year-old needing to arrange his Pokémon cards just right before we leave. These moments allow me to imprint the final remnants of his toddlerhood before he heads off to play with friends.
It involves pleading for hugs and kisses, knowing that soon enough, there will be a time when public displays of affection are a thing of the past. It means building a fort instead of folding laundry or baking cookies spontaneously, just to see the delight in my child’s eyes when I let them crack the eggs.
Letting them be little is about saying yes more often, prioritizing their whims over my agenda, even when I’d rather not watch another cartoon or make another trip to the park. It means cutting crusts off sandwiches and helping them put on their shoes, even though they’re capable of doing it themselves.
It means being there for those moments when they ask for help brushing their teeth after a long day of school and play. Because as long as they still need me, it’s a comforting reminder that they’re still little.
It’s encouraging them to bring their favorite blanket on sleepovers or allowing them to fill their pockets with toys for a simple grocery trip, all while cherishing those lingering hints of toddlerhood. It means cutting up their food and preparing their plates without a second thought.
Letting them be little means looking past the chaos in their rooms, knowing that laughter and memories are being created in the midst of the mess, which is something I’ll long for when their rooms are pristine and quiet.
In this journey, I’ve grown as a mother, shifting from a frazzled parent wishing for the chaos to end, to one who savors every moment. I won’t advise new moms to let their kids be little because I remember how challenging those early years can be. But I will admit that I wish I had embraced their littleness sooner.
I find solace in the moments I did cherish, and I’m grateful for the evolved perspective I bring to parenting now—one filled with softness, patience, and peace. When you finally let them be little, it signals your own growth as a mother. It’s about holding onto the magic of their childhood for just a little while longer.
So, I’m embracing their littleness now, fully aware that while they’re growing, they’re still little enough for me to soak up every precious moment, until it slips away.
If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, you can check out this insightful post here. And if you’re looking to enhance fertility, visit Make a Mom. For further information about IVF, this article from Parents is an excellent resource: The IVF Process.
Summary:
This heartfelt reflection on parenting emphasizes the importance of cherishing the fleeting moments of childhood. As children grow, parents often find themselves wishing they had savored their little ones’ innocent quirks and slower pace. By embracing this perspective, parents can foster deeper connections with their children and appreciate the joy of their childhood while it lasts.