As parents, we bet you often hear the bittersweet saying: “The days are long, but the years are short.” And yes, it is true that in the blink of an eye, the kid clinging to your leg on their first day of kindergarten will be an adult ready to explore the world on their own. When we consider that we only have 18 years—give or take a few—with our children before they embark on their own exciting adventures, it truly puts everything into perspective.
But rather than viewing this as a countdown and feeling pressured to make each day perfect, we can encourage each other to embrace the seasons of childhood and create family memories that will last for years to come.
The Ever-Changing Landscape of Childhood
Just as the leaves change color and fall from the trees, your kids grow and evolve right before your eyes. And as you already know, each stage of childhood brings its own set of unique joys and challenges, like the characteristics of each season.
The Spring of Early Childhood (Ages 0-5)
Those early years are a time of rapid growth and wonder (and a bit of a whirlwind!). Like the first buds of spring, your little ones are constantly developing new abilities and personality—from their first words and first steps to the first days of school. While it’s exhausting and difficult to adjust to this new normal, it’s important to carve out small moments to take all this ‘newness’ in. Create a "wonder wall" in your home where you can jot down their latest funny sayings, milestone moments, or simple joys. It doesn't have to be Pinterest-perfect; even sticky notes on a kitchen cabinet or fridge can serve as a beautiful reminder of these fleeting days and their season of firsts.
The Summer of Elementary Years (Ages 6-11)
As your children enter their elementary years, out comes even more curiosity and energy. This is the summer of childhood filled with exploration, learning, and play. It’s when those family traditions you grew up loving can really take root and even be refreshed as your kids develop their own interests. During this time, consider establishing a weekly or monthly "adventure day" where you explore something new together. It could be as simple as trying a new state park or as elaborate as a day trip to a nearby town. The key is shared experiences and openness to discovery.
The Autumn of Adolescence (Ages 12-16)
Parents of teenagers—past and present—know this phase all too well. The middle school (and into high school) years bring a major shift, much like the change from summer to fall. Your kids begin to shed their childhood identities and explore who they might become as they get older. While this can be a turbulent time as they come into their own and establish their own boundaries, it's also full of opportunities for deeper connections and meaningful conversations to get to know them now, not as the little kid you used to know. This is a great season to create space for open dialogue without judgment. A regular "chat and chew" session where you share a new favorite snack and talk about anything and everything can become a cherished ritual during these years of change.
The Winter of Late Teens (Ages 17-18)
As high school progresses, we enter the winter of childhood—a time of both quiet reflection and preparation for new beginnings. As parents, your role shifts from directing to guiding, as you help your teens prepare for their next chapter while savoring the last seasons at home. During this time, try to collaborate on a "bucket list" of experiences you'd like to share before they leave the nest. This could include life skills they want to master, places they hope to visit before college, or simply quality time activities you both enjoy that you want to get more of.
Embracing Imperfection
In your effort to make the most of these 18 falls (and springs, summers, and winters), it's crucial to remember that perfection is not the goal. Life is messy, schedules get busy, and some seasons may feel more challenging than others. The key is not to do it all or even feel like you have to, but to be present in the moments you do have. Here are 4 things to keep in mind throughout your seasons:
- Quality Over Quantity: It's not about planning elaborate activities for every day of the season. Sometimes, the most memorable moments come from impromptu pillow forts or kitchen dance parties to Monster Mash. You make the rules!
- Embrace the Ordinary: Find joy in daily routines. The bedtime story they want you to read again & again, the walk in the park that kickstarted their rock collection, or a shared meal can all be opportunities for connection when approached with mindfulness.
- Let Go of "Should": Release the pressure of what you think you "should" be doing. According to Parents.com, a recent study showed social media adds even more stress to parenting. Scrolling our social feeds has a dangerous way of making us feel like we’re not living up to the ‘perfect parent’ standard, but every family's journey is unique, and what matters most is that it feels right for you and your children.
- Capture Memories, But Live Them First: While it's wonderful to document childhood, make sure you're not experiencing everything through a camera lens. Being present in the moment, and trusting that your mental snapshots are just as valuable as the ones on your phone, helps your kids step away from their screens and enjoy real-world experiences, too! Which is, of course, what we’re all about here at Cosmo!
Each season builds upon the last, creating a ton of new experiences and memories. The fingerpainted pictures when they are toddlers lead to the school projects in elementary school and the passionate pursuits of their teenage years. Each phase is fun and exciting in its own right and contributes to your family's story.
So, as another fall settles in, take a deep breath and look around you. Whether you're in the spring of first steps, the summer of lost teeth, the autumn of voice changes, or the winter of college applications, you’ve got this. Embrace and enjoy this season fully, whatever it may be.
