I recently came across a TikTok that stopped me in my tracks and brought tears to my eyes. It was titled “Advice From Moms Who’ve Sent Their Kids to College.” Every now and then, I need a gentle reminder to treasure these chaotic times, knowing that someday they’ll be just memories. Here’s what I took from that TikTok, along with my own reflections on my three favorite pieces of advice:
Linger a Little Longer at Bedtime
The advice said,
“You’ll spend the rest of your life, once they’ve left, praying their heads are safely on a pillow somewhere, and wishing for the days you could see it in person.”
So often, I look forward to bedtime because it’s my chance to relax. But when I’m actually putting my kids to bed, I realize it’s one of my favorite times of the day. We talk about what made them happy, what challenges they faced, and all the little details. I learn so much during these moments, and I know I’ll miss it when it’s gone.
Don’t Overload Their Schedules
Another mom’s advice was to let kids have time to just be with their family. The message was clear:
“Take every opportunity to be together, whether it’s vacations, day trips, or even quiet evenings at home.”
This one is HARD! On one hand, I love bringing them to activities on the weekends because it’s fun to watch them in action. But there are seasons when it can be too much—a reminder that they don’t need to be in every single activity. They need rest, too, just like we do.
Write Down the Funny Things They Say
Lastly, one mom suggested to
“write down all the funny things they say throughout the years—you’ll never remember it all otherwise.”
I already have a notebook in my nightstand filled with funny things my kids have said since they were toddlers, but tonight, I’m starting a new habit of writing down even more! There have been so many times they’ve had me laughing uncontrollably, and I’d love to remember their exact words.
These are just a few of the words that struck me, but they’ve already reshaped how I approach parenting. Special thanks to Big Life Journal and Calm Parenting for sharing this wisdom.
I hope you enjoyed these as much as I did!
Jenn
