Seasons change while parenting. I have had the pleasure of parenting every stage. I will briefly describe my highlights of each stage. The older I become the quicker time seems to fly by. Enjoy each stage because before you realize it you will be onto the next stage.
While parenting an infant, I was in zombie mode, much of the time. I was often in a sleep-deprived state of mind, while changing an infant, nursing, bottle feeding, but still adoring and bonding with our precious baby. I adored my infant’s little body and the bonding was intense during this season. For me, this season went fast and memories fade of the details of the first few months. On my last birth, my niece stayed with us for a week and helped out! It was such a blessing to have someone tend to the baby while I took care of other things. This is the season to accept people’s generosity and ask for help! One time two friends from church showed up and cleaned my house while I napped with my baby. Contributing to balance during a time of change is such a blessing to the new mom. Reaching out to your friends with an infant can become a huge help during a significant sleep-deprived season.
The season of parenting my baby was an intense whirlwind of loving, adoring, and connecting to my child. My love affair grew deep and intense with each baby. Learning my child’s rhythm of sleep, bowel movements, hunger became my goal. Babies are completely dependent on their needs met during this season, which can be challenging. Especially if you have a vocal one who screams if they are not fed the instant they are ready. One of the joys of this stage is being able to dress them in whatever outfit you choose, unless of course if they kick off the shoes or throw off the hat. Enjoy this freedom of parenting because one day you will not be able to choose your child’s outfits.
The season of toddlers brings exploring, learning, and exercise! I loved the freedom to broaden our adventures during the toddler years, although several years I still had a baby in the pack. The excitement of learning and seeing things for the first time is exhilarating. I loved providing opportunities to help my child’s mind grow and develop. This season can also bring on the challenge of tantrums. You may begin to realize your child isn’t as perfect as you thought they were.
The season of preschoolers brings on a sense of independence and a zest for learning. Depending on their personality you may no longer have a choice as to what they wear. My boys wore whatever I gave them to wear until 6th grade but my biological girls wanted to be the ones to decide on their own outfits. My last adopted girl thankfully let me dress her in cute outfits during this stage. Children in this season are genuinely concrete and literal in their thoughts. Sarcasm and joking may need to be explained or completely avoided. My dad worked very hard to teach my children sarcasm during this phase. The kids loved it once they understood sarcasm and could point it out. Socialization and education is such an important aspect during the preschool years. Hopefully, you won’t go through the strong independent 3-year-old streak like I had to. Storytime becomes meaningful during these years and they begin to take on reading the book themself! Children begin to share their emotions freely whether about themself or the person next to you.
The season of elementary years is filled with learning, athletics, music lessons, and growth in every area. I love being able to go on bike rides, hikes through the deep forest, skiing, and inner tubing on the back of the boat. Elementary years open up all sorts of ventures. Each child has their own interests and we try to find activities to develop those areas. Many times it is trial and error in the younger years. Usually by 5th grade they know which sports, instrument, and dance classes they prefer but not always. My son discovered he loves lacrosse in the 9th grade. As a mom, I am providing opportunities for them to grow and it is a blast watching!!!! It is the best entertainment watching our children perform after working hard in a discipline. Simply a complete joy! Discipline needs to be established during these years. I developed the Nag Free Project which helped me maintain discipline within my home. You can see that whole process in my youtube video. The elementary years are filled with innocence and hopefully, the cares of the world do not rest on the elementary years of our children. Gradually as they reach their teen years their view of their parents being the best in the world may be altered.
The season of teenagers is a beautiful stage or it can be challenging depending on which kid I am parenting. Two of my kids were difficult at age 14 but they came back around. I have a youtube video with my son called, Surviving Huge Differences with my Teen. The teenage years are filled with excitement for the future. Dreams begin to formulate that will help direct our child’s future. I love the teen years! In fact, I worked at a junior high and high school for a decade so I have quite a bit of experience! A gradual release of responsibilities to my teen is an exciting phase. I love watching my children begin to take on adult responsibilities. My goal is to make the transition to adulthood smooth and positive.
The season of adult children is a stage I am new to. My oldest is a senior in college and my nineteen-year-old recently graduated high school. My daughter in college has become my best friend. I love that I am no longer responsible for disciplining her. We are free to be ourselves in every way around each other. It can be challenging at times when her behaviors do not reflect how she was raised but she is her own person, accountable for her own actions! I am looking forward to many more exciting years in this season!
Seasons come and go not only with our weather but our children too. Every stage has wonderful developments that become even more special being a part of it. When I hit a challenging stage I pray for guidance and deal with the issues. So far most difficult issues have been a phase and it soon irons its way out. Loving our children unconditionally continues to be key in helping our children grow through each season.