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- You Don’t Need To Be Told to Cherish Their Early Years
by Sarah Mitchell
Updated: Feb. 1, 2023
In the early days of motherhood, when I would take my little ones out—one nestled in a front carrier and two more comfortably seated in a double stroller—seasoned moms would often pass by, their eyes filled with nostalgia. “Oh, I remember those days! Treasure them while you can; they grow up so fast!” they would sigh, their voices tinged with a bittersweet reminder.
I had heard this sentiment countless times since welcoming my first child. And while I understood the truth in their words—that children do indeed grow up—it felt as though that reality was light-years away. When you’re engulfed by the daily grind of parenting, such advice can feel overwhelming.
From the moment my eldest was born, I was his world. At just five days old, he recognized my voice and would wail for me, his need for my presence palpable. My husband would have to hold him high just to catch a glimpse of me behind the shower curtain during my rare attempts at self-care. It became unbearable for both of us, so I invested in a transparent shower curtain, allowing my baby to see me at all times. I was his essential lifeline.
Our relationship was a whirlwind of emotions, often blurring the lines of our identities. When he turned three, his lunch preferences revolved around what I was eating: “What does Mama have?” I was enveloped in the chaos of motherhood, loving him fiercely yet often feeling like I was losing myself in the process.
I was oblivious to the ever-changing seasons of parenting, much like how I thought his thumb-sucking and chair-climbing would last indefinitely. Life, however, is fluid and unpredictable. While I could see other children growing up, it was difficult to envision my own little one evolving in the same way.
Then came the day when my son—who once believed his very survival depended on my presence—left for college. Suddenly, I was the one searching for my breath in his absence. The memories of cradling his tiny body are cherished, yet they slipped by faster than I could have imagined. When did he transition from a small child to a young adult? I was always attentive, yet the changes happened almost overnight.
Childhood is fleeting, even on days when it feels eternal. I would often hear those older moms on the bike path reminding me to savor the moments. But how could I convey to them that their well-meaning advice felt distant? It’s only when you reach the end of a journey that you can truly reflect on the beginning.
During those early parenting years, it felt impossible to appreciate the advice to “enjoy every moment.” I was simply trying to survive the chaos of sleepless nights and endless demands. The reality of parenting is that it encompasses both joy and struggle, and often, they exist simultaneously.
So, while I want to share that sentiment with new parents, I hold back. I remember standing there, overwhelmed with three little ones needing me constantly, and it’s hard to grasp the bigger picture when you’re in the thick of it. Those moments are real, and they can’t be viewed through the lens of someone who’s already passed through the storm.
If I could offer any words of wisdom to new parents, it would be this: Smile when you can, cry when you must, and remember that every stage is part of the beautiful journey of life. You don’t need me to remind you to savor these fleeting moments; I’m confident you already are, in your own unique way—just as I did.
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Summary:
In this reflective piece, Sarah Mitchell shares her journey through the early stages of motherhood, highlighting the bittersweet nature of parenting. As she navigates the challenges and joys of raising young children, she acknowledges the fleeting nature of childhood and the struggle to embrace the present while anticipating the future. Through her insight, she aims to resonate with new parents, reminding them that every moment, both joyful and challenging, is an essential part of their unique journey.