A friend of mine’s son was turning one and she was sad, as most parents are nearing the first birthday of their child. She was sad that . . .
his little life was passing her by so much quicker than every single person that says “enjoy every moment it goes so quickly” says it will be. She reminded me and herself that although we hate to see the baby days go, all stages are great.
There is something to look forward to and enjoy every single step of the way. With my youngest off to school and my home feeling so empty without the chatting, playing and laughing during the day, I needed this advice. I stopped and thought about what she said and realized she was absolutely right.
The baby stage is full of cuddles, snuggles, sweet sounds, singing, coos, figuring out and solving cries, babbling and so much more. It’s exhausting and oh so rewarding.
The toddler stage is full of excitement, chasing, watching, baby-proofing, quick movement, new words and so much more. We smile at each new thing they accomplish and get so excited to see their growth.
The preschoolers are full of wonder. There is more talking and activities. Conversations are so much fun at this age, they answer and respond. They are so engaged in what’s going on around them and what you are doing. There is never a quiet moment and it’s glorious to come up with answers at every turn.
School age is when they start to spread their wings and become more independent. They may not talk as much about what is going on when you aren’t around. They need you in different ways than when they were in the little stages. They need you for drives, for homework help, to read long novels, to reassure them when their friend isn’t their friend anymore and to listen.
The teenage years (oh how I fear them) can be very exciting, I’m told. Their independence continues to grow, they stay out later, make their own decisions about friends, make big decisions about their future and find the things that they are going to be good at. They need you to help guide them, to keep them on the right track in school and extra-curriculars. They need guidance in choosing a good future, they need you to listen and they need you to be accepting.
Adulthood, oh adulthood. I am so grateful to have my parents in my life. They are the best sounding boards, fiercest supporters and the biggest worriers. As they tell me daily, “It never ends Shelley, you’ll always worry about your children like we worry about ours.” You get to watch your child start a life, possibly a family, you get to watch all that you worked hard to instill in your child come to life.
It is so true that each stage brings such happiness, love and excitement. When I’m feeling sad about a new stage beginning with one of my children I will simply have to re-read these words and remind myself that this next stage is also going to be a great one filled with hope, accomplishments and twists and turns!
We at the Parents’ Voice have hired a wonderful yoga teacher to come to Shawville once a week to provide two yoga classes. Yoga for caregivers and walkers will be on Tuesday mornings Oct. 15-Nov. 12 from 10:00-10:45 and yoga for caregivers and babies will be on the same dates from 11:00-11:45 at The Shawville Lions. For more information check our Facebook event or email parentsvoiceshawville@hotmail.com, (must email to register). We are only able to run the program if we have six registrants per age category!
by Shelley Heaphy
