As my baby girl turns 18, I am understandably all in my feelings this week. It feels like the end of an era but then again, she still has a couple months of high school left and then summer before taking the next step so I should have some time to adjust.

It’s crazy to think about how busy life was when she was born and my son was just 2 1/2. We definitely had our hands full at the time, more so with the 2 year old if you know what the “terrible two’s” look like. In the early years, it seems like the days are a mix of survival and just savoring the little sweet moments in between. If I’m being honest, you can probably describe the teen years the same way!

As we approach this change, I thought it would be fun to look back and reflect on some of the things I have learned along the way and what I am still learning as this journey doesn’t end here, it just pivots to the next phase.

Don’t sweat the small stuff!

If I’m being honest, I still struggle at times with this one but when I think about some of the bigger challenges compared to life’s little frustrations, it comes down to picking your battles. I have chosen the small battles many times and then just as God tends to do, he hits me over the head with something that reminds me how trivial the little things really are. Having healthy, happy children is my ultimate goal and will continue to be for the rest of my life.

Your plans may not be their plans.

Both of my kids have taught me this one but my son really was the first time I realized that all of my hopes and dreams I had for him when he was little really weren’t my dreams to own, they were his. Regardless of the direction I wanted him to take, he ultimately chose his own path and still is. Thinking back, I realize that if I had forced him into my plan, his life may look drastically different and his happiness may have been impacted in a way I would never want. As I watch my daughter plan out her next steps, I feel better equipped to have the conversation about her choosing the path that is right for her.

No matter what, you will always worry about them.

My mom says this all the time but now that my kids are young adults, I feel this to my core. Even when they have their own families to care for, I know I will always worry about them and pray for them. My son tells me not to worry but I always say that isn’t possible. I just try to pray for them daily and know that God has them in His hands, guiding them on the journey they are meant to have.

Cherish every single moment, the good and the bad.

From the toddler year tantrums to the teen attitudes and struggles, I wouldn’t change any of it. Looking back, I know that even during the hard times, we were learning valuable lessons as parents and as a family that would guide us for years. It’s the hard times that bring you closer and the joyful times that you hold in your heart a little tighter.

I never claimed to be a perfect parent and I’m still not. Let’s face it. None of us are but we all hold one thing to be true, we love our children more than anything and would lay down our life for them if we had to. That is a kind of love that never changes no matter how old they are. So for all the young mamas out there, just know that you will look back and miss these hard days more than anything.