As a parent of five, my approach to raising my children has gradually become more relaxed. The perfect example of this shift is my youngest daughter’s first birthday celebration this weekend.
Like her siblings before her, my little one will dive into her own cake, creating a delightful mess that’s entirely fitting for the occasion. The only real question is whether she’ll go in face-first or hands first! However, unlike her older brothers and sisters, her birthday will be a quiet, intimate gathering with just a few gifts. I have no qualms about keeping it simple; in fact, I’ve learned that I can offer more by providing less.
This “less is more” mindset extends beyond her birthday bash. I’ve stopped rushing her through milestones. With my older kids, I often found myself wishing for the early days to pass quickly, longing for the return of uninterrupted sleep. Though I can’t pretend I enjoyed the sleep deprivation, I do miss those moments when my daughter needed my comfort the most.
I used to eagerly anticipate each new milestone—sitting up, crawling, walking. But now, I realize that with every achievement, my daughter becomes a little more independent and needs me a little less. She prefers to be chased rather than cuddled, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of sadness knowing that this phase will eventually fade.
I’ve also embraced the notion of giving her more space. My fifth child enjoys far more freedom than any of her older siblings did. I remember shadowing my oldest as he took his first wobbly steps nine years ago, always ready to catch him. Now, my 1-year-old tumbles dozens of times a day, and I simply encourage her to get back up instead of rushing to her aid.
The days of needing to control everything are long gone. I’ve learned to delegate and accept help from others. My older kids are great at keeping an eye on their little sister, and even strangers in the grocery store or the sweet neighbor next door are welcome to lend a hand.
I’ve found comfort in taking a more hands-off approach during this brief, uncomplicated period of my daughter’s life. I have four older children who serve as a reminder that life will only become more complex as time goes on. For now, my daughter is blissfully unaware of the pressures of brand names, trendy shoes, or toys she doesn’t need.
When she turns one this Saturday, her beaming smile as she demolishes her pretty pink cake will be proof that she doesn’t care about the lack of a grand celebration. The absence of lavish decorations or extravagant gifts will not dampen her joy.
My youngest has taught me to cherish the present, to appreciate the beauty of simplicity in parenting. This won’t last forever, so I’m determined to savor these moments while I can.
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Summary
My journey through parenting has transformed with each child, particularly with my fifth. Embracing a ‘less is more’ approach allows me to enjoy the little moments, like her simple first birthday celebration, while letting her explore the world with more freedom. It’s a reminder that while life will inevitably become more complicated, there’s beauty in simplicity.