On my kids’ first day of school this year, I dropped off my high schooler first.
How did we get here already? Parenting a high schooler always seemed like something grown-ups did! I remember thinking even having a child in elementary school was for “real adults.” Now, as I watched my son head into the big world of high school, it felt like only yesterday he was a baby in my arms.
After dropping off my middle schooler, I made my way to the elementary school with my 3rd grader for her first day. Standing in a sea of little kids, I thought, “There are still so many years of active parenting ahead.” It’s a bittersweet reality, the push-pull of time that feels like it’s both flying by and slowing down in the quiet moments.
How do we navigate the highs and lows, the fast and slow moments of parenting? On one hand, they say “time flies”—and it really does. On the other hand, some days can feel endless, where bedtime can’t come fast enough.
The best way I’ve found to truly experience each moment is to create intentional parenting moments where we’re fully present with our children. Here are two strategies that help me stay grounded and create lasting memories:
1. Say Cheese! Make Eye Contact
Eye contact is powerful. I’ve found that pausing to look my children in the eyes and smile can ground us in the moment, reminding us of our connection. In our family, if someone starts to leave without making eye contact, I’ll say, “Eyeballs!” It’s our cue to stop, look at each other, and share a moment before moving on. It’s amazing how this little ritual can help us stay connected, even on the busiest days.
2. Pause to Feel the Love
Parenting is a constant cycle of giving, doing, and caring. Sometimes, in the midst of tasks, it’s easy to forget to truly feel the love in our hearts. A wise piece of parenting advice I learned from Joyce Vissell is to take a few minutes daily to close your eyes, picture your child at their sweetest, and let yourself feel all the love flowing from your heart to theirs. This short practice helps me find patience and remember the incredible love I have for my children, even on tough days.
As parents, we often feel that “the days are long, but the years are short.” I hope that by practicing these mindful moments, we can look back with fewer regrets, knowing we embraced this one, real life—not just a dress rehearsal.
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