Let’s be honest: no one truly wants their children to remain small forever, and if you think you do, you might be fooling yourself. When I hear parents tell their kids, “Stay little forever!” it irks me. While it may sound endearing, it implies that growing up is something to dread, and that’s just not fair to our kids.
Caring for little ones is undeniably tough—like, beyond belief tough. There are moments from those years that I honestly can’t recall because they were so overwhelming. I know this might shock some, but trust me when I say that the best is yet to come.
As they grow, life becomes more manageable, enjoyable, and less chaotic. We could even lighten our own loads by giving ourselves a break and letting go of the guilt of not fully savoring every moment of their early years. Sure, we might love aspects of it—those adorable giggles and tiny hands—but let’s face it, the constant cycle of diapers, tantrums, and cleaning up messes can be exhausting.
We often hear phrases like, “Cherish these moments; they fly by,” but honestly, when those fingerprints on the wall vanish, it means our kids are growing into responsible individuals who can wash their hands and take care of themselves.
Now that I’m navigating life with a toddler alongside elementary and high school kids, I can assure you: the older they get, the easier it becomes. Older kids can help with chores, share witty jokes, and even babysit their younger siblings. It’s a refreshing change, and I genuinely enjoy the people my older kids are becoming, complete with their own unique talents and wisdom. Watching them interact with their younger siblings is nothing short of magical.
Life remains challenging, of course. There are moments where I feel pulled in multiple directions, and bigger kids bring bigger issues. However, for the first time in years, I’m actually getting a good night’s sleep. I’m no longer just treading water; I feel like I’m making real progress, which is a miracle.
I do find myself looking back at photos that capture only the joyful moments, leaving out the chaos, and I feel a twinge of nostalgia. Yet, I remind myself of the overwhelming situations I experienced during those years—often too busy or disgusted to snap a picture—and I’m relieved those days are almost behind me.
Soon, we’ll all appreciate having kids who can handle their own hygiene, read independently, do their laundry, and even drive themselves around. Ultimately, the goal is to raise capable, responsible adults who eventually leave home to start families of their own. And if we’re lucky, we’ll have squishy little grandchildren to snuggle and then happily return to their parents at bedtime.
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In summary, while the early years with little ones can be tough, the journey of parenting evolves into a more fulfilling experience as kids grow older. We should embrace the challenges and celebrate the joys of watching our children develop into their own unique selves.