“Cherish these moments,” seasoned parents often advise when they see young mothers managing their little ones. “It all goes by so quickly.”
This advice is often met with a certain resentment by new moms. When you’re entrenched in the demanding world of motherhood, the last thing you want to hear is that you should be savoring every second. You’re doing your best, and let’s face it—much of it can be quite overwhelming.
Yet, it’s undeniable that time does fly. We all sense this truth, even when certain days feel interminable. We witness our children evolving right before our eyes, each new milestone a reminder that childhood is fleeting. No matter how desperately we wish for it, kids never return to being younger.
The solution to this bittersweet reality is to occasionally hit the “pause” button, allowing ourselves to fully appreciate who our children are in the present.
I find myself doing this during the most ordinary of moments: when my 11-year-old is cozied up with a book, when my 6-year-old bursts into giggles over a classic cartoon, or when my teenager and her friends playfully adopt British accents for fun. These simple snapshots of their current selves are striking when I take a moment to reflect. They are truly beautiful kids.
However, we risk missing these precious moments if we aren’t careful. Life can become a whirlwind of busyness, filled with hectic schedules and extracurricular activities. Before we realize it, another year has flown by.
As children grow, the pace accelerates. My first child has a lovingly crafted baby book, complete with charming decorations and a collection of photos capturing every precious moment. The second child has a half-filled album, while the third? Just a collection of images stored away on a hard drive somewhere.
Time really does speed up as our children age, and if we don’t consciously pause to reflect, we may overlook some of the finest aspects of parenthood.
Moreover, taking a moment to “pause” is crucial not just for appreciating our children’s childhoods but also for nurturing our own mental and emotional well-being. As our kids grow, we also experience change, but our personal development can often be overshadowed by theirs. We recognize the importance of self-care, but it’s essential to also incorporate self-reflection into that “me time.”
The challenge lies in avoiding the trap of becoming so engrossed in daily responsibilities that we forget to take a breather. It can feel as though we’re navigating a busy highway with no exits. While we can’t stop everything to appreciate life’s small wonders, we can strive to be more present.
We can breathe deeply amid the chaos, seeking beauty even in disorder. Embracing fleeting moments of tranquility can also be beneficial. Even if we can’t halt the world around us, we can pause internally—taking a moment to hit “pause” on the relentless flood of thoughts and concerns that occupy our minds constantly, reflecting on how far we and our children have come.
While we may not be able to cherish every single moment, we can certainly learn to appreciate more of the time we do have by making a conscious effort to do so. It’s important to remember that resources like March of Dimes offer valuable guidance for pregnancy and home insemination, while articles on portable beds for toddlers are excellent references for parenting needs. Also, don’t forget to check out our post on boosting fertility supplements at Make a Mom.
In summary, taking the time to pause and reflect is essential for both parents and their children. By being more present and intentional in our daily lives, we can savor the fleeting moments of childhood and ensure that we nurture our own growth along the way.