Dear Parent, Embrace the Slow Moments With Your Little One — They Become the Memories You’ll Hold Forever

Dear Parent,

In our world where deadlines and responsibilities endlessly compete for our attention, it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle. We find ourselves rushing through the day, eager to complete one task and move on to the next.

Let me gently remind you, “Minsan lang sila bata.”

These simple, slow moments with your children are the heartbeat of their fleeting childhood.

I know there are days when your patience is tested, especially during those long mealtimes when your little one seems to take forever to finish their food. You’re watching your little one as they struggle to put on their socks or as they observe the world with wide-eyed wonder, as you race to your next errand. It’s easy to feel the impatience rising, especially when the day is full of tasks, deadlines, and schedules. In those moments of impatience, take a deep breath, and remember how magical it is to witness their unhurried exploration of the world around them.

I know the slow moments can feel inconvenient. Maybe you're in a rush, or maybe you’ve had a long day. But, dear parent, what if we saw these moments for what they truly are? Mga sandali na hindi na babalik. These small, seemingly ordinary pauses—when they ask for help brushing their teeth or take an eternity choosing which toy to bring to bed—are the moments that make up their childhood.

“Mommy, help me” turns into “I got this.” And when that day comes, you’ll wish for just one more minute of the slowness. 

There’s something sacred about the unhurried pace of the young ones. The way they stop to be in awe at an ant crawling on the ground or the sparkle in their eyes when they ask those seemingly never-ending "bakit" questions. These are not distractions; these are the moments that shape their sense of wonder and curiosity. They’re teaching us, as much as we’re teaching them, about the beauty of experiencing life slowly and fully.

There will come a time when they no longer need your hand to guide them, when they’ll rush out the door without looking back, when the endless “Mommy, help me” turns into “I got this.” And when that day comes, you’ll wish for just one more minute of the slowness. One more moment to hear their little voice call for you, to watch them figure things out in their own time.

A beautiful Filipino word to remember: Kalma.

Let the world move at their pace during this season when they regard you as their whole world. Hold their hand for as long as they’ll let you. Cherish every little pause. Because one day, when the house is quiet, and the days of rushing have passed, you’ll miss the way they looked to you for everything. And you’ll realize that these slow, unhurried moments were never a waste of time—they were the heartbeats of their childhood, and the ones you’ll keep in yours forever.

Take a moment to reflect on the joy, the laughter, the simple, slow moments that make all the challenges worthwhile. When they reach up to hold your hand, when they laugh uncontrollably over the silliest jokes, when they want another round of tagu-taguan, when they simply want to be near you—these are the moments you’ll carry in your heart long after they’ve grown.

Yes, they grow up too fast. The days may feel long, but the years are so short. Let’s embrace the slow moments, even the frustrating ones.

So when the world rushes you, remember to slow down. Cherish the simple, slow moments. They are the memories that will bring tears of joy to your eyes when you look back in years to come. Embrace these moments, for while they are limited, the love and warmth they bring will surely last a lifetime.

Trying to conceive with your spouse and looking for a word of encouragement? Read this Dear Parent.