Glimmers Amidst the Chaos: Cherishing the Small Moments of Parenthood
Parenting often feels like a blur—a continuous cycle of school runs, meal preps, work demands, and an ever-growing to-do list. Life becomes a string of moments where you’re constantly on the go, rushing from one task to another, convinced that there will be time to pause later. You tell yourself that the big things matter most—the family vacations, the birthday parties, the report card celebrations. But somewhere in between all of that, hidden in the folds of an ordinary day, there are the small moments that often go unnoticed.
Maybe it’s your child’s little voice calling out for you in the middle of the night, or the way they hold onto your arm just a little tighter as they drift off to sleep. Maybe it’s the unexpected laughter that fills the room when something silly happens at dinner, or the warmth of their hand in yours as you walk together, not really talking, but knowing that you are together. These moments are glimmers—small flashes of light amidst the chaos of parenting. Like sunlight breaking through heavy clouds, they are fleeting and precious. They remind you, quietly but powerfully, that this is what it’s all about.
We only get so many holidays, so many school years, so many "just one more bedtime story" moments. One day, all of these ordinary moments will add up to a lifetime of memories. And the truth—the one we often avoid because it tugs too hard at our hearts—is that there will come a time when we won’t be in the center of their world anymore. The bedtime stories will stop. The little hands will let go. The noise that sometimes drives us to exhaustion will become a silence we never asked for.
And yet, we still miss these glimmers as they pass us by. The days feel long, but the years slip through our fingers so quickly. What if we could find a way to see the small moments in real time—to notice them, to hold them close, and to let them ground us in the only place we truly exist: the present moment?
Glimmers are the tiny, seemingly fleeting moments that remind you of why all of this—the stress, the sleepless nights, the exhaustion—is worth it. It’s your child’s giggle when they say something unexpected. The feel of their little hand in yours as you cross the street. The smell of their hair after a bath. These are not grand milestones but the heartbeats of everyday life. They are the moments that don’t show up in photos or scrapbooks but are somehow stitched into your soul.
One day, you’ll tuck your child into bed for the very last time without realizing it’s the last. They’ll stop asking to hold your hand, to sit on your lap, or to call out for you when they wake up. It’s not meant to be sad, but rather, a gentle reminder: These small moments are sacred. Notice them. Feel them. Keep them close.
Parenting isn’t about perfect pictures or checking off milestones. It’s about the ordinary moments—the glimmers—that make up the essence of love. And yet, it’s hard to notice them when we’re always rushing. The world around us pulls us in every direction—emails, meetings, expectations, and endless distractions. But you can still find ways to anchor yourself, even amidst the storm. You can still choose to see these moments before they pass you by.
Take a deep breath. Right now, wherever you are, pause for a moment. Look around you—really look. Maybe your child is playing on the floor, their brow furrowed as they focus deeply on something small and seemingly insignificant. Maybe they’re curled up on the couch watching their favorite show, or sitting at the table, legs swinging, chattering about something only half coherent. What if this were the moment you chose to notice?
Start small. When you’re with your child, engage your senses. Notice the smell of their lotion, the sound of their voice telling a story, or the feel of their arms wrapped around you. Take a breath in through your nose, feel your chest expand, and exhale slowly. This simple act can ground you in the here and now, where the most important moments happen. Presence is not just about time—it’s about truly being there.
There will always be a reason to keep moving: one more email to send, one more chore to finish. But you can set boundaries. You can say, not right now. Protecting your time is protecting these glimmers. It’s okay to let the dishes wait or to leave a few tasks unfinished. Your child will remember that you stopped what you were doing to play, to listen, or to just be.
Small, consistent rituals can also help you cherish these moments. Maybe it’s a bedtime routine where you snuggle under the covers and ask them about their day. Maybe it’s taking five minutes every afternoon for a snack and a conversation, or playing their favorite song and dancing in the kitchen before dinner. These rituals don’t need to be big or elaborate. It’s the consistency and connection that matter most.
And perhaps, most importantly, let go of perfection. So often, stress steals these small moments because we’re chasing an impossible version of parenting: the tidy house, the calm and quiet dinner, the perfectly happy child. But life is messy, and it’s meant to be. Lean into the chaos. Laugh when things go sideways. Teach your kids that love lives in imperfection—that happiness isn’t about a perfect picture but about showing up, even when it’s hard.
Someday, you’ll sit in a quiet house, and you’ll remember the noise you once wished away. You’ll miss the sound of little feet running down the hall, the calls for your name, and the sticky hands reaching for you.
So, for now, let the glimmers catch your eye. Let them slow you down, soften your heart, and remind you of what truly matters. Hold them close—the whispered "I love you," the unprompted hugs, the quiet moments that feel like magic.
Because these moments, these glimmers of love and light, are what matter most.
A Few More Ways to Catch the Glimmers
Put Down Your Phone. Sometimes, just a few screen-free moments can change the way you connect. Leave your phone in another room when you play or talk with your child.
Create "Pause Moments" in Your Day. Pick one or two key moments to stop and check-in. Whether it’s after school pickup or during bath time, consciously remind yourself: This is a moment to notice.
Capture Your Glimmers. At the end of each day, jot down one small moment that made you smile. Over time, this practice becomes a journal of joy.
Say Yes to Spontaneity. Sometimes, the glimmers show up when you least expect them—a quick game of tag, an impromptu ice cream run, or just lying in the grass together staring at the sky.
Ask Yourself, “Will This Matter a Year from Now?” When stress or busyness creeps in, this question can gently remind you to prioritize what’s most important.
