It’s in the Little Moments

As parents, we’re often on the lookout for the big milestones — the first steps, the first words, the first day of school. But over time, I’ve come to realise that it’s not always the ‘firsts’ that stay with us. Sometimes, it’s the in-betweens. The tiny, unplanned moments that catch you off guard and leave your heart feeling full.

Like watching your child pour water ever-so-carefully into a tiny plant pot, reminding you not to forget to water it. Or the way they try to make sense of the world — one question, one messy art project, one innocent observation at a time.

These little things?
They’re the real magic of raising kids.

We don’t need perfect days. Just present ones

I used to think I needed to plan grand activities to make our time together “worthwhile.” But more and more, I find the joy is in the simple. A walk around the block with a cardboard frame turned into a nature hunt. A tray of flour became our sensory playground. A lazy afternoon turned into a kitchen dance party. It’s in these tiny, unhurried slices of life that I see her for who she’s becoming — and myself for who I’m growing into, too.

We’re both learning.
We’re both growing.

And no moment is ever really “too small” to matter.

Some days are hard. That’s okay too

Not every day is sunshine and smiles. Some days, the tantrums win. The mess feels too much. You doubt yourself. And on those days, I try to remember: it’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to not have all the answers. It’s okay to take five deep breaths and start again.

Because parenting isn’t about getting it all right.
It’s about showing up — messy bun, missed deadlines, burnt toast and all.

And on the days when I feel like I’ve fallen short, it’s often her tiny hand in mine or a random “I love you, mama” that reminds me: we’re doing just fine.

What I’ve learned from my child

She’s taught me that curiosity is endless, joy can be found in the most ordinary things, and love doesn’t always need words. I watch her talk to her soft toys with deep seriousness, narrate entire bedtime stories with full expressions, and take pride in doing “grown-up” chores around the house. There’s so much learning happening — not just for her, but for me, too.

Patience. Presence. Perspective.Things I thought I knew — but am only truly beginning to understand now.

The one thing I wish someone had told me earlier

Parenting isn’t about perfection or having all the answers. It’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes downright exhausting. I wish I’d known sooner that it’s okay to not have it all figured out — that the love and effort we put in matter far more than any perfect routine or milestone checklist.

That sometimes, the best moments happen when we let go of expectations and just be with our children. Because in those moments, the real connection is made.

Parenting is not a checklist

So many times, we approach parenting as if it’s a list of things to tick off — potty training, reading milestones, extracurricular classes. And while those are important, they don’t define the whole story. What truly matters is the relationship we build, the trust we nurture, and the little memories we create along the way. It’s the bedtime cuddles, the shared giggles over a silly joke, the quiet moments of understanding without words.

That’s the heart of parenting — and it’s beautiful, even in its imperfect form.

To every parent reading this — you’re doing better than you think

Slow down when you can.
Soak in the laughter, the chaos, the quiet moments in between.
Because one day, these little things?
They’ll be the big things we hold onto the most.