As I navigate the ups and downs of parenting, I’ve reached a bittersweet phase where every memory shared on social media brings a tear to my eye. My youngest child is set to start kindergarten this fall, and while he’s excited, I’m feeling a deep sense of loss. Time truly can be unforgiving. Looking back, I realize I was eager for this stage—where my children would be more independent and I could enjoy quiet moments of productivity. But now I understand the importance of “letting them be little.”
Having young children is a fleeting experience. While it often feels like the days drag on, they pass by more quickly than we anticipate. I find myself reflecting on missed opportunities to savor their childhood. I’ve learned to embrace this new chapter of parenting with greater patience, allowing their moments of childhood to shine through more often. I say yes to one more story before bed and enjoy making their lunches, even though they can do it themselves.
Now, I truly understand what “let them be little” means. It’s about cherishing the small moments—like the way my youngest recently exclaimed, “Mommy! I slept weally good this night!” I want to remember how he mispronounces words and the adorable phrases he uses, like “this night” instead of “last night.” Those moments are precious and worth holding onto.
Letting them be little also means accepting those slow-paced days. With plenty of busy times ahead, I no longer rush my 5-year-old to leave for a playdate just because he wants to arrange his Pokémon cards. Each moment spent with him is an opportunity to treasure his toddlerhood before he steps out to play with friends.
It includes seeking hugs and kisses, knowing that one day those displays of affection may not come so freely. It’s about building forts on afternoons when chores beckon or baking cookies just to see their delight when they crack eggs. Saying yes more often becomes a mantra; their agenda takes precedence over mine, even if it means watching yet another cartoon or visiting the park for the umpteenth time.
This approach might involve cutting off crusts and putting on their shoes, even when they’re capable. It’s about relishing the moments when they ask for help brushing their teeth, signaling that they still need me, and that’s a comforting thought.
Encouraging them to bring their favorite blanket on a trip or letting them fill their pockets with treasures for a grocery store outing are ways to keep a little bit of their childhood alive. I continue to chop their food and arrange their plates, finding joy in these small tasks.
Letting them be little also means overlooking the chaos of their messy rooms, knowing that those spaces are filled with laughter and memories being created. One day, I might yearn for that messiness, which will be replaced by pristine but empty spaces.
I won’t advise new moms to let their kids be little, as I remember how challenging those early years can be. The constant cycle of feeding, changing, and sleepless nights can be overwhelming. However, I do wish I had embraced their littleness sooner. The moments I did cherish give me solace, and I cherish the growth I’ve experienced as a mother. With this newfound insight, I approach parenting with more softness and patience.
Ultimately, letting them be little signifies personal growth as a mom. It means moving beyond the exhaustion of early motherhood, where each milestone was met with a longing for the next. Now, I want to relish every magical moment of their childhood, and I’m committed to soaking it all in while they’re still little.
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Summary
Parenting requires a delicate balance between cherishing childhood and preparing for independence. Embracing the concept of “letting them be little” can transform your approach, allowing for deeper connections and the ability to savor fleeting moments. By doing so, you foster a nurturing environment where both mother and child can grow together.