Parenting’s joys don’t end the moment your children leave the baby stages.
Well-meaning ladies at the grocery store love coming up to frazzled moms with fussy little ones to make sure they are appreciating these moments. Time with babies and toddlers is fleeting and it’s important these moms know it only goes downhill from here.
I’m now a mom of three, with children ages 6, 4, and 2. By some accounts, our kids have peaked and it all goes downhill from here. I sometimes joke that my oldest is “6 going on 13” with eye rolls, attitude issues, and determined independence. In truth, though, I wouldn’t exchange her for her baby self. I loved that sweet baby, but I like joining her as she navigates these “kid” stages alongside her brothers.
Today I thought it would be fun to explore some of the best of parenting big kids, with some awesome reader contributions.
5 Perks of Parenting Big Kids
1. Big Kids Can Talk Back – While this is certainly a double-edged sword, I love being at a stage where my kids can really communicate. Not only can they be clear about exactly what they want on their sandwich, they can tell you about their favorite book, the crazy dream they experienced last night, their favorite joke, and the reasons they love you. Conversations with big kids include fascinating factoids, delightful observations, and mesmerizing misinformation.
Reader Mandy Eberts says, I love that I can have real conversations with my 6 year-old. Her genuine interest and curiosity about things is awesome!
2. Big Kids Can Share in Your Favorite Activities – Older kids are developing their interests and
it’s fun to watch them as they explore different hobbies and discover their favorites. Plus, there’s something so special about introducing something you love – photography, hiking, art, sports, music, etc – to your child and finding a mutual appreciation.
Reader Sarah Evans explains, I love seeing ‘the spark’ when the lesson clicks. I love seeing their personalities evolve. I love setting up their lessons on rabbit trails of interests to see where it takes us.
3. Big Kids Say the Darndest Things – Delight at your child’s language development doesn’t end after their first word or sentence. I adore listening as my kids explore vocabulary, try words successfully (and unsuccessfully), and ask about the meaning of words. Yesterday, my 6 year-old daughter told her brother a made up story using the words “lumber” and “profusion.” I couldn’t have been more proud.
Plus, a better awareness of their surroundings leads to funny moments like this one from our recent trip (It’s the sound that matters here):
4. Big Kids Get Lost in Books – Tim and I reached one of our proudest parenting moments the first time we had to tell our oldest to turn out her reading light and go to sleep. We both remembered staying up late into the night reading, lost in a story we simply couldn’t put down.
As kids grow older, they enjoy family read alouds of classics like The Hobbit and Charlotte’s Web. You can laugh over silly stories with words like “underwear’ and talk about more serious topics. Books also better entertain in a car or waiting room than they do for a distracted toddler.
Reader Jill Shoemaker shares, If you get her in the right mode, my oldest will sit and read for a long while. She entertains herself for a bit with books and that’s a big plus.
5. Big Kids are Independent – I love that moment when your kid comes downstairs for the first
time fully dressed – even if it’s mismatched and the wrong season. Trips to the store are easier when older children can get in the car and buckled while you secure a little one. Having your child pour their own glass of juice while you’re in the middle of something else is a beautiful thing. More than anything, listening to your big kids resolve an issue on their home in the play room is cause for celebration.
Teaching kids to be independent in different activities does take time and patience. Some are more interested than others in doing things on their own, but it’s always awesome to witness the confidence and satisfaction they feel when they finally get it. While their reaction to learning new skills will most likely change over the years, I imagine it’s always great to witness that growth.
What are some of your favorite perks of parenting big kids?
As much as I joke about how it all goes downhill once they start talking, the truth is that the bigger they get, the cooler they get. And this starts from birth! Now that my fifteen year old is at that “cool” stage, we just like to go and hang out.
I have made it my mission to never say, I can’t wait until they can do xxx, but I make sure to enjoy every step along the way, even the tough part. Maggie, at just over 2 1/2 is fully exerting her independence in everything which means that EVERYTHING takes about 10 x longer for her to do. I try so hard to allow her that time, but when we are in a hurry and I have to help, it sure does lead to a lot of battles!
I hope {and am pretty sure it will happen} that Maggie continues to always love to read as much as she does now. And, I hope that eventually Charlie learns to sit still and read a story with me.
My oldest is 2 1/2 and we are getting ready to do some speech therapy to get her on track. As much as I love the baby stage (which I’m enjoying with Kaliah who’s only 2 1/2 months) we have a lot of frustration and tantrums right now over not being able to fully communicate with each other.
Thanks for sharing. “Big kids” are so much fun. I’m enjoying the baby phase right now, but I’m also very much looking forward to him being a big kid. The Breezy Birdie
As the mom of a toddler and 13 year old I feel like I have the best of both worlds 🙂 The little one is so funny with all of his new words and funny phrases but the bigger one is funny because he has had time to develop a sense of humor. We often lament the move from babyhood and toddlerhood into being a KID but I have loved every stage of my kids’ lives so far
My 4yo and 5yo are definitely becoming more independent, and I love watching them!
I will be sad when my baby is no longer a baby. However, I am already seeing two perks to her getting older. First, she can talk more, which helps with the frustration for both of us. Second, she is getting much more independent and no longer needs mommy at her side 24/7.