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Elementary Age:

Gaining ever more independence and ever more attitude, your 5-9 year old is learning more about the world and her place in it. Guiding children through this stage of big social and emotional developments has its challenges, but seeing them grow into compassionate, caring people is so rewarding. You’ll miss playing together. Before long, they’ll move on from playing toys and be interested in “big kid” things. You’ll miss being so needed. You’ll miss their contagious excitement. You’ll miss wrapping presents from Santa and playing the Tooth Fairy. You’ll miss these last few years that they’ll fit on your lap. You’ll miss being number one in their world.
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Pre-Teens:

Stuck between childhood and adolescence and not being quite either, parenting a pre-teen is like straddling the fence of holding on and letting go. It’s beautiful and painful at the same time. You’ll miss the interesting and thoughtful conversations you’re having with your “big kid.” You’ll miss the full schedule and the boisterous house. You’ll miss being in the know. You’ll miss the years they didn’t have a driver’s license! You’ll miss hearing their stories about all the exciting things going on in their lives. You’ll miss the hugs that last longer than a second.

Teens:

Although our children are always our children, the teen years are usually the final stage that we have them with us at home. It’s the stage of slowly letting go and allowing them to fly. You’ll miss the pile of shoes at your door and the backpacks on the floor. You’ll miss snow days and family vacations, however hectic they are. You’ll miss knowing where they are and who they’re with all the time. You’ll miss the holidays when you’re all under one roof. You’ll miss waiting up for them to get home. Worst of all, you’ll miss them coming home at all.

Some days are hard, and you won’t enjoy every moment or miss every day of parenting, but there is something to enjoy in every stage that you will one day miss. So, hold them close while you still have them at home, and savor the sweet moments that will soon enough just be sweet memories.

Rebecca Eanes is the bestselling author of multiple books including Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide, The Positive Parenting Workbook, and The Gift of a Happy Mother. She is the grateful mom of two boys.