Updated: Feb. 9, 2018
Originally Published: November 19, 2016
“Mama, I want to cuddle with you.” My little one climbs into my lap, his forehead warm from his playful adventures. If I take a moment to close my eyes and inhale deeply, I can almost catch a whiff of the tiny baby he used to be. Such moments tug at my heartstrings, filling me with a bittersweet awareness that there will come a day when he will descend from my lap for the final time.
At nearly three years old, he stands at the threshold of toddlerhood and the early stages of childhood. As he takes steps toward becoming a big kid, I grapple with the reality of his growth. While I am eager to witness his growing independence, I find myself reluctant to bid farewell to the sweet innocence of his toddler years.
You might wonder, who would want to cling to this phase of parenting? Well, apparently, that would be me.
Public outbursts and unpredictable behavior often make these years challenging, leading one to fantasize about smoother sailing ahead. However, just as you think the waters have calmed, you find yourself immersed in the next demanding stage of childhood and parenthood. Desiring to rush through one challenge only propels you into the next one more swiftly. Parenthood is a delicate balance: in exchange for cherished cuddles, we knowingly accept the embarrassment of public tantrums and the trials of impulsive decisions. As peculiar as it might sound, I will miss every bit of it.
My son is likely my last child, and watching him grow feels akin to watching sand slip through an hourglass, leaving me with the knowledge that time will pass swiftly, yet I cannot halt its course. Each new milestone swells my heart with pride while simultaneously creating an ache as I release yet another fleeting moment. I find myself concerned for his innocence; it shines so brightly now. He remains blissfully unaware of the world’s complexities, and I fear that his light may be dimmed or, worse, extinguished by the harsh realities and judgments that await him.
He proudly dons his superhero mask during our grocery runs, embracing every facet of his identity without apology. I aspire to embody such confidence and wish the world could mirror his childlike spirit.
Day by day, he transforms before my eyes — a new word here, a more composed demeanor there — marking another step toward being a big kid and further away from his toddler self. Is a mother ever truly prepared to part ways with this season of young motherhood?
I would gladly relinquish the diapers and sippy cups, the Goldfish crumbs scattered across the floor, and the exhausting tantrums that leave us both drained, yet I yearn to hold on to the rest. I wish to cherish these moments for as long as possible, hoping he desires the same.
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In summary, the journey through toddlerhood is filled with a multitude of emotions, as parents navigate the balance between cherishing the present and anticipating the future. Each milestone evokes pride and nostalgia, leaving us to ponder the fleeting nature of these early years.
Keyphrase: Toddlerhood Transition
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