Every parent knows that raising children can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences. As they grow, we often look back at their younger years with a mix of nostalgia, relief, and, occasionally, regret. There are moments, objects, and experiences that, in hindsight, we realize were more precious than we appreciated at the time.
As a parent who’s been there, I’ve curated this list of 9 things I wish I’d appreciated more when my kids were little. It’s my hope that you might find a few things to cherish a little more deeply in your own parenting journey.
Bedtime Stories
Those cherished moments when you snuggle up with your little ones before they drift off to sleep, reading their favorite story for the hundredth time. While it may have felt repetitive at times, these moments fostered bonding, language skills, and a lifelong love of reading.
Tip: Keep their favorite books. When they’re grown, those worn-out pages will tell a story of their own.
Artwork
Children’s artwork is a colorful explosion of creativity, reflecting their unique view of the world. It might have seemed like clutter at the time, but each scribble and stick figure was a milestone in their development.
Try turning their artwork into a scrapbook or digital photo album. It’s a lovely way to preserve those memories and track their artistic progress.
Sibling Rivalries
Those squabbles over toys, TV shows, or anything else might have driven you to distraction. But they were also teaching valuable lessons about sharing, compromise, and conflict resolution.
Remember, it’s normal for siblings to argue. Try to step back and let them work it out—within reason, of course.
Playtime
The endless games of make-believe, building blocks, and dress-up may have seemed like a fun diversion, but they were also critical to your child’s social and cognitive development.
Try to participate in your child’s playtime when you can. It’s a great way to bond and understand their world.
Picky Eating
The frustration of dealing with a picky eater can be overwhelming. However, it’s a normal part of many children’s development and often just a phase they grow out of.
Be patient and keep offering a variety of healthy foods. Remember, your job is to provide balanced options—it’s up to them to eat it.
Permanent Marker Mishaps
Those surprise “murals” on your walls or furniture might have been a shock. But they were also a sign of your child’s budding creativity and desire to express themselves.
Give them plenty of opportunities to create—in appropriate ways, of course. And remember, most things can be cleaned or painted over.
School Performances
Those school recitals, plays, and concerts might have seemed inconvenient or nerve-racking. But they were also moments of pride, showcasing your child’s talents and growth.
Always try to attend these events whenever possible. Your presence and support mean the world to your child.
Non-stop Questions
The endless barrage of “why?” and “how?” might have tested your patience. But it was also a sign of their natural curiosity and desire to understand the world.
Try to answer their questions as honestly and simply as you can. Your responses help shape their understanding of the universe.
Public Tantrums
Those epic meltdowns in the grocery store might have been mortifying. But they were also a normal part of your child’s emotional development.
Try to remain calm during tantrums. They’re not a reflection of your parenting—just a child struggling to handle big emotions.
Looking back, it’s clear that the little things, even the challenges, were the building blocks of their childhood. These experiences, both the delightful and the difficult, shape our children and our relationships with them. So here’s to cherishing every moment, even when it’s tough. Because before we know it, those little ones aren’t so little anymore.