As a parent, it’s natural to feel nostalgic about those early years when your children were small. However, let’s be honest: no one really wishes for their kids to remain tiny forever. When I hear parents lamenting, “Don’t grow up! Stay little forever!” it makes me cringe. While it may sound sweet, it implies that we love our kids less as they mature, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
Caring for young children can be incredibly taxing. I’ve experienced periods in my life that were so overwhelming that I hardly remember them. I know this can be alarming to hear, but trust me, there’s a silver lining. As our children grow, life undeniably becomes easier and more enjoyable. We should give ourselves permission to embrace this reality without guilt. It’s perfectly okay to not relish every moment of our kids’ early years.
Life with toddlers and infants often feels like an unending cycle of diapers, teething, and sleepless nights. Yes, there will come a time when we look back longingly at those chubby hands and infectious giggles. However, we will not miss the chaos that accompanied those moments.
You might have heard the saying, “It will be gone before you know it.” Sure, but when those fingerprints finally vanish from the walls, it won’t mean our children have disappeared. They will have grown into responsible individuals, hopefully washing their hands more frequently.
Now that I have children ranging from toddlers to high schoolers, I can confidently say that the older they get, the easier things become. Big kids can help with chores, crack jokes that actually make sense, and even babysit their younger siblings. What a relief! I genuinely enjoy my older children now. Their unique perspectives and quirky humor make every day more delightful.
Sure, life still has its challenges—like managing a household that feels like it’s being pulled in a million directions. But for the first time in years, I am getting enough sleep to tackle it all. Keeping my head above water isn’t a struggle anymore; I am thriving, which feels like nothing short of a miracle.
I do occasionally look back at old photos with fondness, but I’m also reminded of the chaos that didn’t make it into those snapshots. The memories of sleepless nights and constant cleaning linger, reminding me that the toddler years are behind me, and I’m grateful for that.
The ultimate goal of parenting is to raise responsible adults who can manage their own lives, and thankfully, that’s exactly what will happen. Eventually, our children will be able to do things for themselves—wipe their own bottoms, read independently, and even drive themselves to school. And when the time comes, we may even enjoy the joy of squishy little grandchildren, which we can spoil and then return to their parents at bedtime.
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In summary, while nostalgia for our children’s early years is understandable, it’s important to recognize the joys that come with their growth. Parenting evolves, and we should celebrate the moments that make our lives richer as our kids become more independent.