Parenting can sometimes feel like a wild ride.

One minute, your child is a tiny baby learning to crawl, and the next, you turn around, and they’re off to school, headed to college, or even getting married.

Time moves quickly, and as parents, we often catch ourselves looking either backward or forward.

We are continually planning for what comes next or long for the days when our children were little.

But what if we chose to enjoy every stage—right now—as it unfolds?

What if we paused to cherish each moment in our parenting journey instead of letting them slip away?

The Fast-Forward Feeling

Have you ever felt like someone pressed a fast-forward button on your life?

You watch your toddler take their first shaky steps, then blink, and they’re suddenly running around the yard or maybe even driving a car.

It’s both exciting and a bit scary.

We love seeing them grow, but we also miss the small moments of cuddly mornings and cute, tiny voices.

That’s the tricky part about parenting.

Each stage feels like it will last forever until it’s gone, replaced by a new phase—one that might be just as joyful, just in a different way.

I am experiencing this very thing as we just watched our oldest son get married.

Marriage brings so much change in a family. But instead of longing for what was, I am choosing to embrace and be grateful for what is.

I am so proud of the man my son has become. And I truly savored every moment as I watched him marry the love of his life.

Enjoying Today, Not Just Yesterday or Tomorrow

Sometimes, we focus so much on how things used to be that we forget to notice how things are now.

We might think, “I wish my teen was still a baby so I could hold them in my arms.”

Other times, we feel rushed, planning for the next chapter.

We think to ourselves, “When they start school, things will be easier,” or “When they go to college, I’ll have more time.”

But life is happening right before our eyes, in the messy, funny, challenging stage we’re in right now.

Whether it’s carrying a sleepy toddler to bed, cheering for your child’s school performance, or even helping your grown kid pick out things for their first apartment—these moments are worth savoring.

Each age has its own magic, and the real parenting trick is to appreciate that magic as it unfolds.

Celebrating my son’s wedding was certainly one of those magical moments that I will always treasure.

Watching Them Grow

One of the biggest joys of parenting is watching your child learn and discover.

Each stage brings new “firsts”: the first time they say “Mama” or “Dada,” the first time they ride a bike without training wheels, the first time they bake a cake on their own.

It’s easy to speed through these events, caught up in the excitement, and not truly stop to take it all in.

Instead, try slowing down.

Notice the look on their face the first time they conquer a challenge.

Listen closely when they tell you about their day.

Ask them questions, and let them share their thoughts.

By being present in the small moments, you create memories that will stay with both you and your child.

The Gift of Now

Parenting can feel overwhelming: the laundry, the homework, the endless to-do list.

We might dream about the future, thinking that’s when life will get easier.

But the truth is, every stage has its blessings and its battles.

The toddler stage has diapers but also sweet kisses.

The teen stage has eye rolls but also deep conversations.

And despite them leaving home, there is so much joy when you see your child marry their person.

Each phase is a unique gift.

When you find yourself longing for a different time, remind yourself that today has a purpose.

Look for the good in the stage you’re in.

Maybe your teenager is discovering music you’ve never heard of, and it’s fun to learn together.

Maybe your college-aged child calls you to share a funny story from campus.

When you look for them, little joys pop up all around, waiting to be noticed.

Making Peace with the Past

It’s okay to remember the good old days when your kids were tiny.

I have so many memories of my children when they were little. I treasure those memories and hold them close to my heart.

These memories are precious and worth thinking about.

However, let them be a source of warmth, not sadness.

Appreciate them like a favorite photo you pull out from time to time.

But don’t let them keep you from seeing the beauty in the present.

You can still share stories about when your child was younger, showing them pictures and laughing at how small they were.

That sense of history can bond your family, as long as you balance it with excitement for who your child is becoming right now.

I am so thrilled for my son and who he is—right now—today.

Life may not be what it once was, but every stage of parenting has moments of pure joy in them.

Looking Forward Without Missing Today

It’s also natural to plan for what’s coming next—school events, sports, or college applications.

Planning isn’t a bad thing.

It helps you stay organized and support your child’s goals.

Just be careful not to live only in the future.

Our children change day by day, and if we’re always focused on tomorrow, we might miss today’s big (or little) moments.

Tips for Staying in the Moment

Take a Quick Pause: When you’re busy, try to stop for ten seconds. Breathe in, look around, and ask yourself, “What’s happening right now?” This can bring you back to the present.

Write It Down: Keep a small journal or note on your phone. Whenever you see something funny, sweet, or surprising about your child, jot it down. It helps you notice the good stuff.

Share Stories Together: At dinner or bedtime, ask each other about the day’s best moment. This reminds everyone that each day has something worth celebrating.

Don’t Aim for Perfect: Accept that parenting is messy. Kids will spill juice, lose socks, and have meltdowns. That’s okay. Sometimes the best memories come from the silly or imperfect times.

Practice Gratitude: Think of one thing each day that makes you thankful. It can be tiny, like a shared laugh or a hug after a long day. Gratitude keeps your focus on the good parts of your parenting journey.

The True Beauty of Parenting

Parenting is about guiding, teaching, and loving your child through every stage of life.

It’s about being there for the first steps and the big leaps, the sleepless nights and the joyful days.

Each stage might feel overwhelming at times.

But it also holds a gift you’ll never get back once it’s gone.

When you decide to embrace the now—laughing with your little kids, understanding your moody teens, chatting with your college kids as they learn to spread their wings—you choose to treasure the moment.

And that might be the most important choice you can make as a parent.

This past week was definitely full of joyful days and treasured moments.

Moving Forward with Intentional Parenting

So, as you look at your child—whether they’re small and curious or grown and adventurous—remember to stop, breathe, and see the person they are today.

They’ll keep growing, and time will keep moving, but you can savor the present if you try.

Look for the small wonders in each day.

Relish the silly jokes, the tired snuggles, or the proud achievements.

That’s the heart of parenting—being fully there, loving who your child is right now, not just who they were or who they’ll become.

Embrace the stage you’re both in.

One day, you’ll look back and realize that these ordinary moments were, in fact, the extraordinary pieces of a life well-lived.