Updated: August 21, 2015
Originally Published: April 9, 2010
This morning, as I dropped off my 5-year-old at school, he turned away with a nonchalant shrug, refusing to give me a kiss goodbye. My heart sank. Already? I thought, feeling the sting of his indifference.
“I’m not ready for this,” I whispered to myself as I walked away. I wish I could pause time, hold on to these moments a little longer. I crave the laughter, the playfulness, and the joy of doing it all right while my kids are still little.
I often joke with my children, urging them to stay small, but they just chuckle, responding, “Mom, we can’t! We’re growing!” I laugh with them, but inside, I’m aching. If only they knew how deeply I long for those innocent days to last forever.
There’s so much I will miss when they grow up. I’ll miss their warm hugs, the way their tiny hands fit perfectly in mine, and the silly, incomprehensible drawings they proudly present as treasures. I’ll miss their giggles, the sweet sound of their voices, and those moments when they curl up in my lap, telling me they love me.
Of course, there are things I won’t miss—tantrums, whining, bedtime standoffs, and the chaos that seems to follow them everywhere, including their knack for turning every meal into a disaster. But I’d endure all of that just to savor those precious moments when they express their love and happiness.
Time, however, doesn’t wait for anyone. Children grow, we age, and life continues to move forward. I can’t freeze my kids in time or slow down the clock. All I can do is be present every day, absorbing every little moment so that when they are grown and out in the world, they will always carry a piece of their childhood with them in my heart.
For more insights on parenting and growing up, check out this post about the joys of watching kids transition into adulthood on Modern Family Blog. And if you’re exploring options for starting a family, consider visiting Make a Mom for their reputable home insemination syringe kits. Additionally, UCSF’s Center provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination support.
In summary, while I wish I could keep my children little forever, I know that each stage of their growth brings its own joys and challenges. I’ll cherish these fleeting moments, knowing they will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Leave a Reply