Parenthood is a rollercoaster of emotions and promises to issue you with some of the most magical and most trying times of your life! All children are different, but one thing is for sure in all cases – they really do grow up way too fast. Before you know it, your toddling two-year-old will be off to college, and you will be left wondering where the time went! In short, make the most of it when they are little because they won’t be little for long! Here’s some advice on how to savor every moment of your little one’s childhood.
Don’t hold back any affection
It is literally impossible to spoil a child with love, so don’t hold back any affection. Kiss them, hug them, cuddle them, hold their hand, and do so at every single opportunity that you get. Take in the loving moments because, as they grow and become more independent, they will reach out for their mommy less and less.
Preserve those important memories
Keep that gorgeous lock of hair from their first haircut, print out photographs and create scrapbooks, and don’t feel pressured to get rid of their baby clothes. In fact, why not put them to good use and look into the art of t shirt blankets? Companies like My T-Shirt Blanket take old clothes and t-shirts and turn them into a beautiful memory blanket that will keep you or your child warm for many years after they have grown out of those clothes.
Write to them
Invest in a little journal and fill it with your thoughts and sentiments as you navigate your way through parenthood. You could share adorable stories of moments spent together, jot down important milestones, and write love letters for your child to read in the future. This journal will make for the perfect gift when your son or daughter graduates high school, college, or when he or she turns 21.
Be in the moment
Nowadays, we are all so wrapped up in ‘doing it all.’ Most moms work full-time jobs while still managing to run a household and take care of the kids. Unfortunately, these pressures result in a lot of stress and ensure that moms always have way too much their minds. When you are thinking about how much you still have to do at work tomorrow while you are playing with your child at the end of a long day, it is impossible to cherish the experience. Do your best to learn how to draw a stronger line between work and home life. It takes a lot of practice, but it will be so worth it.
Forgive yourself
Don’t allow yourself to carry ‘mom guilt’ every day, everywhere you go. There is no such thing as the ‘perfect mom.’ If you make a mistake today, don’t let it keep you awake at night. Instead, savor the beauty of your little one as they sleep, take a deep breath, and endeavor to try again tomorrow.
Make the most of these special moments. You will be very glad that you did.
