Raising Kids Through the Bitter-Sweet Seasons of Life

When you’re expecting your first child, every movement and milestone is a celebration of life and possibility. You’re filled with so much expectation, hope and the magical wonder of what life may be like with a sweet little cherub to call your own.

And then, before you know it, your newborn arrives and completely steals your heart. But just as soon as you’ve come to terms with sleepless nights and endless diapers, your tiny infant sprouts into an active and talkative toddler… who in turn develops into a curious pre-teen… who, in the blink of an eye, becomes an all-knowing and introspective adolescent.

And just like that, before your very eyes, that precious bundle you once carried in your arms has evolved into an independent soul – one who will all too soon leave home to forge their own way in this world.

You see, childhood is fleeting, and precious family moments continue to tick away. Each beautiful milestone and memory are the constant reminders of those things we will always hold dear to us.

With each passing day, our children grow taller, wiser, less needy, more self-sufficient. They develop opinions of their own. They decide for themselves what values, ideals and goals to pursue. And we’re left caught up in this whirlwind of life, through the joys and heartaches of raising a family.

So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed as a parent (and yes, you will feel this way at some point on your parenting journey) or if you find yourself wishing away time through the boundary-pushing years of a pre-teen – take heart, dear soul. Hold on to the moment. Breathe it all in. For soon enough, down the road, summer turns to fall and all too quickly, things, and people, change.
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Don’t let these moments fade. Capture the memories of your loved ones through the different phases of your lives together. These may become some of your most precious possessions – the memories you have which you can pass down from one generation to the next.  ​​

Featured Gallery:
Lauryn at Lost & Found Vintage Rentals Studio, Dayton, Ohio
Photography: Elisabeth Ashliegh / Elisabeth Ashliegh Photography