This past weekend, I enrolled my youngest child in pre-K, and let me tell you, it was an emotional rollercoaster. Like many milestones in parenting, it brought a mix of joy and sadness. On one hand, the thought of having four hours of uninterrupted time to myself feels like a luxury. After nearly a decade of being a primarily stay-at-home parent, the idea of some freedom is exhilarating.
I have every confidence that my son will flourish in pre-K, and I can’t wait for him to forge new friendships and enjoy all the fun activities. During our visit to the school, he was completely captivated by the dollhouse and building blocks. We practically had to drag him away when it was time to go! However, while I’m not too worried about how he’ll handle the separation, I can’t shake the feeling of what it means for me.
As much as I long for a break from the constant demands of little ones, I know I’ll miss those treasured moments. The days of him snuggling on my lap while I read yet another book about dinosaurs, or his endless requests for snacks, are moments I’ll yearn for. I’ll miss those tiny hands tugging at my shirt while I tackle the never-ending pile of dishes.
We have seven months until school begins, and I’m acutely aware that our time together is limited. It’s a peculiar feeling, knowing that some of the more challenging aspects of parenting will ease soon while simultaneously reflecting on the fleeting nature of our time together. The thought of it pulls at my heartstrings.
When I first became a mother, it was tough to envision a time when things would change. The sleepless nights, the overwhelming needs of my children, my self-doubt, and the longing for a moment of peace made it hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But now, I have a literal countdown to freedom, and as the days pass, I keep reminding myself: “It was worth it.”
Every single moment has been worth it.
- A decade of drying tears—both theirs and mine.
- A decade of dealing with constant runny noses.
- A decade of being awakened by tiny fingers prying my eyes open.
- A decade of 12-hour days without adult conversation.
- A decade where completing a single task without interruption felt impossible.
- A decade of laundry stained with everything from spit-up to spaghetti sauce.
- A decade of cold coffee and meals consumed in chaotic one-minute intervals.
- A decade of having an audience during bathroom visits and timing my drinks carefully to avoid toddler chaos.
- A decade of wrestling squirmy bodies into car seats, praying they don’t fall asleep at the worst moment.
- A decade of being held hostage by nap times, often with a little one sprawled across my face.
- A decade of fatigue and begging for just five minutes of peace while hoping for no sibling brawls during my bathroom breaks.
- A decade of sacrificing financial stability, personal hygiene, and often my own sanity.
- A decade of cereal dinners, snack breakfasts, and a floor permanently littered with crumbs.
- A decade of counting down to bedtime, then gazing at their peaceful sleeping faces and regretting my earlier impatience.
- A decade of feeling like I could never measure up for these little boys.
- A decade of being their everything.
It was all worth it. Every challenge and struggle—perhaps especially those—has shaped me. The moments when I felt I was at the brink of my endurance, yet pushed through anyway, were fueled by love. It was love that showed me my own strength, how to manage on little sleep, and the importance of giving myself grace.
I know that my son starting school won’t magically solve all the difficulties of motherhood. There will still be many moments each day that require my attention. The challenges I may face with older kids—while less physically demanding—can be emotionally draining in entirely different ways.
Still, as I look forward to this upcoming change, I’m reminded of how swiftly these years pass. Right now, I’m focused on cherishing each day, acknowledging that both difficult and beautiful moments are fleeting. I’m trying to remember that every experience, even the most overwhelming ones, will be worth it in the end.
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Summary:
Navigating the bittersweet emotions of parenting milestones can be challenging. As we prepare for changes, we reflect on the myriad ups and downs that come with raising children. From the joys to the struggles, every moment has its value—and remembering this can help us cherish our time together even more.
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