It’s so amazing and kind of crazy to have kids who are so self-sufficient! “Mom, I’m going to make burritos for lunch. Is that okay?” And then she proceeds to make lunch and set the table and then call us all to come eat.
Moms of littles, I know it’s hard right now. You feel like all you do is make food, clean up messes, change diapers, say the same things over and over again, do endless piles of laundry… And you wonder if these little people are ever going to figure out how to do anything for themselves.
Hear me out: it’s going to be worth it. Don’t give up!
The day is coming when you’ll wake up and realize those little people aren’t so little any more and they are capable of doing so much and are becoming such good help, are so fun, and that you just love being around them (most of the time, at least!)
It’s a beautiful thing!
Ida says
Mine are 40 and 38. The time really does go by so fast. Be present in the now or you’ll miss it.
Jordan says
That’s so true! -Jordan, MSM Team
Christina says
My daughter is almost 9 now. She has grown up so much in the past year, but I love her all the more for the young woman she will become.
She figured out Santa and the Easter Bunny last year (age 7), so I finally ‘fessed up and had “the talk” with her before Easter this year. I’m really glad I did. I’m 9 months pregnant and really did need her help hiding the eggs for her little brother. She did it with SO MUCH JOY and keeps telling me how HAPPY she is I “let her in” on “every Mom’s secret,” which is how she decided to describe it. She has so much fun giving to others, and I know she will cherish celebrating holidays by helping me make them exciting for her two little brothers.
Another special story I had to share about her maturity at not even 9. We are currently VERY STRICTLY social distancing for COVID still. Sometimes we have to take extreme measures to avoid potential exposure because my husband is significantly disabled, I’m 9 months pregnant, and my father has major health issues. So any exposure could turn fatal for someone in our family. Last weekend, my mom took the two kids to the park to walk around the track. My kids enjoyed it. Then they sat down at a table to eat a picnic lunch, and my mom tried to encourage the kids to go play on a VERY VERY crowded playground (30+ kids, as my daughter described it, and none of the others wearing masks). My daughter felt very uncomfortable with the idea, knowing that our family is so high risk, and she told my mother so. My mother tried to argue with her, making excuses (“Oh, all adult are vaccinated now…”, which is far from true!). My daughter saw through it and kept herself and her brother there at the table, even when it made my son (not even 5) really annoyed at her.
I was moved to tears when my daughter shared this incident with me.
I could not be prouder of my girl. She put aside her own desires to keep our family safe.
Those early years weren’t easy. And of course, most of the time, she acts like a child still (after all, an 8-year-old IS still a child!). But she is NOT such a little girl anymore, and seeing these moments of extreme wisdom and maturity are moving and powerful. I could not be prouder of my daughter!!!
Jordan says
Thank you so much for sharing those sweet touching stories! -Jordan, MSM Team
Theresa says
Two days stand out in my mind. The day that I no longer needed to carry a diaper bag, and the day I stopped subscribing to “Family Fun” magazine! Mine are all grown and gone now – my youngest (20) just moved out of state last month. It seems as if the little stage will last forever, and then all of a sudden, it’s just over. Definitely bittersweet, but the Grandparent stage is lovely. 🙂
Joanne says
I’m impressed by how perfect her burritos look! She’s probably a better cook than many adults
Mary says
thank you for that encouragement! I have 3 littles, and just changed diaper-mishap sheets:) so it’s nice to hear. looks like you’re doing a great job w your kids!
Tina says
I had a “whoa” moment the other day… Last September, Mini met one of her newest cousins. Baby Cousin was about 2m old at the time. I took a pic of them then and another this past weekend. Baby Cousin is HUGE now (she’s a chubby cherub!) but Mini has just aged. She looked so grown up! I couldn’t believe it. She’s going to be 9 in June and she’s losing that “little girl” look and becoming more independent by the day. 🙁
Gary Armour says
Last week I spent the day with my almost 17 y/o grandson, mostly just hanging out together, having lunch at a park, and getting to know each other. I couldn’t help remembering that day in May of 1999 when I held him on my lap the first time and we rocked in a rocking chair. My how the time flies!
As I dropped him off that afternoon he asked if we could do it again this week! I proposed an activity together this Friday and he responded with eagerness, looking forward to the time together. His working mom is single, dad remarried and living 250 miles away, and no mature male in his life. I thank God he wants to spend time with his old “Grampy”. Soon he’ll be gone, starting a life of his own. How sad, yet wonderful life is!
Gary Armour says
P.S. It’s fun to watch your young ones grow, Crystal. They are precious young souls and they will bless you one day with children of their own!
Crystal Paine says
Aw, thank you so much!
And I LOVE that you are investing in your grandson. That made me so happy!
Brandette W. says
Ahh, I love the “grampy” reference. I was the first grandchild and named my grandfather Grampie. Your post made me smile and feel so happy. We lost our Grampy 11 years ago already. Thank you so much for this happy reminder.
Gary Armour says
Thank you for sharing, Brandette W.
Jennie says
And then they ask for keys and help filling out a college application. It’s a bittersweet process. But I wouldn’t miss it for anything!
Jessica says
Thank you for the encouraging post! I have often thought of your posts like this as I tackle the laundry, food prep, and cleanup with my three girls. My oldest is 6 and I’m getting a taste of what you’re talking about.
MomofTwoPreciousGirls says
Mine are 6 & 8…the 6 yo has always been a bit independent but the older one wanted nothing to do with it! They have been gathering their lunch stuff each day (I still make their sandwiches in the am bc they don’t have time and I personally don’t like sandwiches from the night before!). We are on spring break and so far they have made their own lunches every day. They feed and water the cats and put away their own laundry. It takes SO much off my plate!
Guest says
This train of thought was JUST in my mind over the weekend. Ours are 6 and 8 and I heard the back door opening early Saturday morning and smiled knowing that one of the kids was up and letting out the dogs and feeding them. Around 4 years ago we had friends over who have kids a few years older than ours and they were saying that their kids got up on Saturday mornings and made their own cereal and played to let Mom and Dad sleep in a little bit (’til 7 something – ha) and it seemed so far out of reach like it would never happen for us. Yet here we are a few more years down the road and our kids are doing so many things for themselves and even the time we have together is so fun because they’re able to play more advanced games and have such great conversations with us.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve had as a mom is remembering that the current phase is just that…a phase.
A final thought..if we teach our kids skills and responsibility from a young age they are wonderful partners in the home. But we have to teach them and hold them accountable!
Monica says
It is a wonderful thing! Having children in a broad age range (from 5 to 21), I can say with certainty that every season is rewarding in its own ways. When they are able to do for themselves and others, it’s like a little win for everyone involved! Great job, moma and daughter!
Renee says
It’s so true. They grow up way to fast, and then we want to slow them down so quickly. We have a now 17 year old, and an 11 year old, and it seems like only yesterday, that they were toddlers. I love seeing your posts on your kiddos. They seem like very responsible, and awesome kids. You should be very proud, and I know from your posts, that you are. What a blessing.
Kim says
How wonderful to have your child make lunch for you and your family!!
I wonder if this is a “girl thing” because my 11 year old son doesn’t do anything on his own. My 6 year old daughter, on the other hand, is a totally different story…little miss independent!
Alicia says
Aw, how sweet!
My oldest is 7 and so independent. It’s awesome and amazing watching them grow, but it also kind of makes me sad and I miss my baby. They grow up SO fast!
Crystal Paine says
YES! I know!