She won’t be four forever.
That’s my reminder to myself when I hear footsteps in the hallway and then see my littlest girl tumbling into my room.
The clock says it’s time for me to get up; I typically spend an hour working each morning before my daughters rise.
But then she climbs into my bed and snuggles close. She’s cozy and even though I’m wide awake, I stay here, our heads touching on my pillow, all the way through that planned hour of work.
Because she won’t be four forever.
She won’t be ten forever.
That’s my reminder to myself when my oldest wants to read extra at bedtime. We’re reading To Kill a Mockingbird aloud each night, with me skipping the questionable parts.
It’s also my reminder to myself when she wants to talk. She won’t always want to talk to me at the end of the day, I know.
I’m often feel rushed. The clock says that it’s time for bed, and I have plans for the time after the kids go to bed.
Sometimes —work.
Sometimes (although not often enough)—exercise.
Sometimes — television (my husband and I are loving Mad Men on Netflix.)
Often — quiet time to talk with my husband after the day.
Often — moments to relax, collapsed in my favorite chair.
I set aside those plans for a few extra minutes, and we read or we talk.
Because she won’t be ten forever.
She won’t be seven forever.
That’s what I tell myself when she creates a fun game involving the hose, an umbrella, and mud.
She’s exuberant and full of energy, and she’s happiest when she’s playing outside with her sister and their friend from across the street.
I cringe inwardly when the three of them parade in, muddy feet and soaked clothes, and I open my arms to hug her.
I feel my shirt grow wet from our embrace and my eyes trace the path of mud to the doorway. I hold on for as long as she wants, releasing her with a tight squeeze.
Because she won’t be seven forever.
Tell me something! What do you do to enjoy your children where they are right now? What reminders do you give yourself?
I am the founder/CEO of the Weaving Influence team, the author of Reach: Creating the Biggest Possible Audience for Your Message, Book, or Cause, and the host of the Book Marketing Action Podcast. I’m a wife and mom of three kids, and I enjoy running, reading, writing, coffee, and dark chocolate.
Hi Becky ~ Last night, Brianna, laid with me on the couch as I watched the ball game…I thought hold on tight because it won’t be long before she outgrows these cuddles 🙂 Nice post. Best, John
Thanks, John. I agree — hold on tight!
Great post Becky! It made me think of advice that I have given mothers over the years. “Don’t wish away anything with your children because they will never do what they are currently doing once they go on to the next thing.” So many times parents will say, “I can’t wait until she can walk so I won’t have to carry her everywhere.” “I can’t wait until he sleeps through the night so we can all get better sleep.” Once they walk, youwon’t have the opportunity to hold them and carry them like you currently do. Once they sleep through the night you will miss those special feeding times in the middle of the night when it is just you and him.
Love your children for who they are each and every day so you don’t miss all of those special moments!
Becky,
Really — To Kill a Mockingbird is going well with your oldest? My son is about your oldest daughter’s age. It’s one of my favorite books. How does she like it?
Beautifully written and absolutely true, Becky. I loved every single age my children have been, but these “middle childhood” years are especially precious – they are about the world, excited about their growing independence, and yet are still so innocent and open to love.
I remember a perfect day with my son when he was 12 years old. I had taken him to London on one of my travels. It was a beautiful, sunny summer day, and we were exploring the city, walking from the hotel to Covent Gardens. As we walked, he unconsciously reached out to hold my hand. He wasn’t even aware he had done it. The thought occurred to me to savor the moment because it would be one of the last times he would want to walk down the street holding his mother’s hand. I drank it in so completely, that just recalling it brings me right back there.
I love the man my son has become and am so proud of him, but I wouldn’t trade one second of the precious moments when he was a child. Even the ones when he was whiny, rebellious or made more work for me. The truth is they grow up way too fast.
Thanks for the reminder to savor these moments and keep in perspective what is really important.
You made me cry. Good to hear another mom who struggles with this.