Last month, my youngest child turned 10, marking a poignant milestone as the baby of the family transitions into a young man. It’s hard to believe how quickly time has passed; the fleeting memories of him toddling around, clutching his pacifier, have now given way to the mature individual he is becoming. Just the other day, I found myself buying him deodorant—a stark reminder of how much he has grown, and I almost lost it in the shopping cart.
There was a time not long ago when he would sit in the front seat of that cart, fussing for treats as I juggled paper towels, diapers, and snacks. It’s during these hectic moments, when life feels like a whirlwind, that I often pause and reflect on my parenting journey. Am I doing enough? Am I giving my all to these incredible beings we’ve brought into the world? It’s so easy to focus on our perceived shortcomings, but if we take a moment to look deeper, we often find evidence that we are, in fact, doing a pretty good job.
That particular morning, as I was waking up, my son climbed into bed for an early morning cuddle. I held him tightly, fully aware that these moments are limited. While wrapping my arms around him, I began recounting the story of his birth—a tale he loves to hear. On that chilly morning, covered in frost and still cloaked in darkness, I woke with the knowledge that I would soon meet my son.
As he rushed downstairs after our conversation, I took a brief moment to reflect. Time is fleeting, and I often oscillate between feeling on top of my parenting game and doubting myself. Parenting is a journey that tests us in uncharted territories, and all we can do is hope we equip our children with the resilience they need for life’s challenges. We all second-guess our decisions, seeking advice or sometimes just trusting our instincts. Yet, we also carry the weight of choices we wish we could change, which often loom larger than our victories.
Each year, my husband takes our son out for breakfast before dawn to celebrate his birthday, just the two of them. As I descended the stairs to bid them farewell, I noticed my daughter quietly waiting at the kitchen island, having come down without a sound. She had secretly prepared a surprise for her brother—handpicked toys from her own room, lovingly wrapped in tissue and adorned with bows. His joy in opening each gift and the tight hug he gave her exemplified their bond before he dashed out for chocolate chip pancakes.
Later, while tidying up after everyone had left for school, I discovered something I’d overlooked: my daughter had made a heartfelt card to accompany her gifts. Her words—“Happy birthday to the best brother in the world. I love you so so so much! We have made so many memories together”—struck a chord and reassured me that I am, indeed, fulfilling my role as a parent.
Our parenting journey is defined by moments—some uplifting, some challenging, but all significant. This particular moment shifted my perspective, reminding me to focus on the positives. Since then, I’ve made a deliberate effort to appreciate the moments when my children express their gratitude or kindness, whether through sweet notes or small gestures. These experiences are gifts that deserve recognition, just as much as our missteps do. Amidst the chaos, there will always be those precious instances that remind us of our love, like a sister wrapping gifts for her brother to show him he is cherished.
In conclusion, parenting is a complex tapestry of joys and challenges. We should embrace the moments that highlight our successes, as they serve to reaffirm that we’re doing something right.
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