A couple of weeks ago I wrote about how the time with your children is so short. They grow up fast and soon enough the dependence they have on you lessens. We as mums get tired, and we sigh with relief when they can dress themselves, when they potty train, when they aren’t demanding “just one more story”. “Just a minute…” is something I know I say all too often.
I wrote about how it is only now that my oldest two have left home and are trying to figure out life for themselves, do I look back on their childhoods and wonder where it went so fast. One minute they were clutching onto me after a bad dream. Now they don’t need me like they did then. I blinked and those years went and I’ll never get them back. It is only now I realise how precious they were when at the time I was so busy with whatever it was I was busy with, I didn’t realise how fast the time would go.
I then came across this poem written by Debra Barone which sums it all up completely.
To My Grown Up Son
My Hands were busy through the day;
I didn’t have much time to play
The little games you asked me to.
I didn’t have much time for you.
I’d Wash your clothes, I’d sew and cook,
But when you’d bring your picture book
And ask me please to share your fun
I’d say: “A little later, son.”
I’d tuck you in all safe at night
and hear your prayers, turn out the lights,
Then tip toe softly to the door…
I wish I’d stayed a minute more.
For life is short, the years rush past…
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side
His precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away,
There are no longer games to play,
No good-night kiss,
No prayers to hear…
That all belongs to yesteryear
My hands, once busy, now are still,
The days are long and hard to fill,
I wish I could go back and do
The little things you asked me to.
How is that for a reminder to treasure the moments with our children while they are still young?
6 thoughts on “Parenting young children and another reminder to treasure the early years”
So true. My son is 21 and left home and when he first went to Uni I found it unbearable. Even now when we go on holiday especially with our 8 year old I miss my son as a child. We're very close still but I miss what it used to be like. I try to appreciate my daughter (and soon twins) that little bit more because I already know whats its like when they move on.
I think the realisation of how quickly it goes doesn't actually hit until they leave home and the whole dynamics change. I still haven't got used to two spare places at the kitchen table at dinner time.
You are so blessed to be expecting twins! You have a large family and God is blessing you with 2 more. I think that is the most wonderful thing in the world. I have 4 healthy children and I am praying for more!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a lovely poem – it says it all. Now my 2 eldest (21 and 17) are grown it helps me appreciate my little ones more (9,6 & 3). I often dread the day they won't believe in Father Christmas any more. Maybe I'll have some grandchildren by then 🙂
Oh I love that poem! It has made me cry so much I'm sitting here blubing and have to do the school run in 10 minutes so must go dry my eyes. I don't know if its my hormones or the fact that I am now feeling bad for all the times I say in a minute too my little boys that it is making me so upset. My boys are 5 and 3 and we are expecting our baby girl on christmas day! I only found your blog a couple of weeks ago and am going through it slowly as and when I get the chance. I so admire how well you are doing bringing up your children and being pregnant with twins, I'm almost 29 weeks and the tiredness is getting so so hard now I struggle too get through the day sometimes. Keep up the good work and looking forward too getting the time to catch up with the rest of your blog. I am going to print out the poem and put it on my fridge to remind me everyday to spend that bit extra time with my children while they are still children, the dirty dishes will wait an extra half hour while my children's childhood won't. Thank you and love too you all xxx
So true. My son is 21 and left home and when he first went to Uni I found it unbearable. Even now when we go on holiday especially with our 8 year old I miss my son as a child. We're very close still but I miss what it used to be like. I try to appreciate my daughter (and soon twins) that little bit more because I already know whats its like when they move on.
I think the realisation of how quickly it goes doesn't actually hit until they leave home and the whole dynamics change. I still haven't got used to two spare places at the kitchen table at dinner time.
You are so blessed to be expecting twins! You have a large family and God is blessing you with 2 more. I think that is the most wonderful thing in the world. I have 4 healthy children and I am praying for more!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes Lisa, without a doubt we are extremely blessed! I hope your prayers are answered.
What a lovely poem – it says it all. Now my 2 eldest (21 and 17) are grown it helps me appreciate my little ones more (9,6 & 3). I often dread the day they won't believe in Father Christmas any more. Maybe I'll have some grandchildren by then 🙂
Oh I love that poem! It has made me cry so much I'm sitting here blubing and have to do the school run in 10 minutes so must go dry my eyes. I don't know if its my hormones or the fact that I am now feeling bad for all the times I say in a minute too my little boys that it is making me so upset. My boys are 5 and 3 and we are expecting our baby girl on christmas day! I only found your blog a couple of weeks ago and am going through it slowly as and when I get the chance. I so admire how well you are doing bringing up your children and being pregnant with twins, I'm almost 29 weeks and the tiredness is getting so so hard now I struggle too get through the day sometimes. Keep up the good work and looking forward too getting the time to catch up with the rest of your blog. I am going to print out the poem and put it on my fridge to remind me everyday to spend that bit extra time with my children while they are still children, the dirty dishes will wait an extra half hour while my children's childhood won't. Thank you and love too you all xxx