Time is not an easy thing for us to comprehend. It’s subjective, it’s mercurial, and it passes by all too fast. But you never realize quite how fast time moves until you’re on the other side of it, especially so when you’re building a life with and for your family.
One minute you’re rocking your precious newborn baby to sleep, the next, you’re watching them leave for a whole new chapter of their own life. Your job as a mother is never done, but the day you watch your adult child step out the door has a bittersweet finality that’s hard to truly get over.
Motherhood is a gift, one full of moments to treasure. These moments sneak up on us, though, with a friendly tug at our heartstrings and a lifetime ahead to remember them by. These milestones are arguably the most potent of them all, prone to putting a tear in your eye.
The First Day of School
There are so many milestones attached to the first months and years of a child’s life, from first words to first steps and beyond. These can flash by in an instant, too, but none of them, arguably, carry quite the same weight as dropping your kid off for their first day of school.
It’s a major milestone, one which represents how far your child has come. It’s a first step in their independence journey after a mini-lifetime of being by your side every (literal) step of the way.
Watching Them Grow into Their Own Person
School is the start of another flood, with respect to milestones. From here, you get to watch your little one well and truly discover themselves. After starting school, they tend to develop their own personality, thoughts, and opinions through learning, making friends and other early life experiences.
This development extends into their teenage years, too. You’ll see your child start to find their identity and independence as they navigate puberty and hormones. This is less of a milestone and more of a rolling wave as changes constantly happen. Helping them grow comfortable in their own skin is an achievement in itself, especially with the pressures of social media and technology.
When Their Love Story Becomes Real
The milestones you treasure in the early years of your child’s life will never leave you, but adulthood isn’t the end, either. The moment your adult child brings home their partner for the first time is equal parts thrilling and daunting for everyone involved. One day, a visit will bring with it news of engagement rings and forthcoming nuptial celebrations.
Again, this is a hugely daunting prospect, but ultimately one of the most special things to watch as a parent. One day, you may even get to teach and speak to them about major milestones, too!
Marissa is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist turned stay-at-home mom who loves sharing her tips, tricks, and ideas for navigating motherhood. Her days are filled starting tickle wars and dance parties with three energetic toddlers and wondering how long she can leave the house a mess until her husband notices. When she doesn’t have her hands full of children, she enjoys a glass (or 3) of wine, reality tv, and country music. In addition to blogging about all things motherhood, she sells printables on Etsy and has another website, teachinglittles.com, for kid’s activity ideas.
