Motherhood is a beautiful, exhausting, messy, and joy-filled journey. But let’s be honest—some days feel impossibly long, and it’s hard to imagine how you could ever enjoy the everyday moments with your kids. The tantrums, the sleepless nights, the endless piles of laundry—it can all make us wish for an easier season. I’ve been there.
As a mom who once longed for children during seven years of infertility struggles, you’d think I would never take a moment of motherhood for granted. (You can read more about my story here.) And yet, in the early years of raising my twin boys, I found myself overwhelmed. The exhaustion, the constant demands, and the pressure to do everything “right” left me feeling drained instead of present. It wasn’t until I started shifting my perspective—choosing to embrace the hard moments instead of wishing them away—that I truly began enjoying my children.
Now, ten years into motherhood, I see how fast time flies. My boys are growing into young men, and my once-impossible dream of having a daughter is now a reality. And while life is still full of challenges, I’ve learned a few things along the way about how to enjoy the everyday moments with my kids—rather than just surviving them.
Why It’s Important to Enjoy the Little Moments
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of “I can’t wait until…”
- I can’t wait until they sleep through the night.
- I can’t wait until they’re potty trained.
- I can’t wait until they can clean up after themselves.
But when we live in a constant state of waiting for the next phase, we miss the sweetness of the present. One day, we’ll look back and wish we could hold their tiny hands, hear their little voices calling “Mommy,” and tuck them in just one more time.
Instead of longing for the next stage, we can learn to embrace and enjoy the season we’re in now.
Practical Ways to Savor Each Day with Your Kids
1. Shift Your Mindset from “I Have to” to “I Get to”
Instead of saying I have to clean up another mess, say I get to care for my little ones today. Instead of I have to play with them again, say I get to be the one they want to spend time with.
This small shift in perspective helps us realize how much of motherhood is a privilege, even in the hard moments.
2. Slow Down and Be Present
It’s easy to get caught up in the to-do lists, but kids don’t need a perfect house or a perfect routine—they need us. Try to:
✔ Put down your phone and make eye contact when they talk.
✔ Say yes to playing, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
✔ Savor bedtime snuggles instead of rushing through them.
3. Create Meaningful Memories
Motherhood isn’t about doing more—it’s about being intentional with the time we already have. In the book Memory Making Mom by Jessica Smartt, she encourages moms to create small traditions that make childhood special. This doesn’t mean elaborate vacations or expensive gifts—it’s about simple moments like:
✔ Reading a favorite book together before bed
✔ Making a special breakfast on Saturdays
✔ Singing a song every night before bedtime
These little traditions become the memories our kids carry with them for life.
4. Work on Patience and Understanding
There are hard days in motherhood, and it’s okay to admit that. But instead of reacting in frustration, we can learn to parent from a place of patience and grace.
One book that deeply impacted my parenting is Triggers by Amber Lia and Wendy Speake. It helped me recognize my own triggers and respond with calmness instead of anger. If you ever struggle with losing your patience, this book is a game-changer!
5. Pray for Your Children Daily
One of the most powerful ways to truly enjoy our children is to pray for them. When we take time to pray over their hearts, their future, and their character, we shift our focus from frustration to gratitude.
Final Thoughts: Soak It All In
Mama, I know the days feel long sometimes. But I also know that the years are short. One day, we’ll look back and wish for these moments again. Let’s choose to embrace the chaos, soak in the snuggles, and find joy in the little moments that make motherhood beautiful.
What’s one way you remind yourself to slow down and enjoy your kids? Let’s chat in the comments!