X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

From the first time to the last time: A mom’s parenting realization

5 min read
From the first time to the last time: A mom’s parenting realization

"Each 'last' in childhood heralds the beginning of a 'first'. The beauty of it all is the blurring of the boundaries between these many firsts and lasts, as they merge into interlinked, precious, emotion-heavy memories."

I knew this would happen.

I was warned by more experienced moms when I had my first child. "Time will fly", they told me gently, with a wise nod of their heads." "Before you know it, he'll be in school", they said. I nodded along with them, but didn't want to believe that time could really go by so fast.

I did believe them when they told me I would marvel at all the 'firsts'. Their words of 'cherish every moment' still ring true.

How can I forget the first time each of my children smiled that baby smile of pure innocence and love for the very first time? The first time they looked at me with recognition that I am their mother?

The first hug, the first time each of them rolled over, their first steps, first words, first teeth, the first time they made me cry tears of happiness, sadness, pride, anger. The list of firsts is never-ending and each of them is etched in my mind.

But one day this thought hit me like a punch to my heart: the firsts will come to an end, replaced by lasts. And sure enough, it started.

"No Mommy, I can do it," was what my youngest son said one day when I wanted to brush his teeth. And that was the last time I ever did so.

"Drop me here Mommy, I can go by myself", said my older boy one day, and that was the last time I ever walked him into his classroom, his warm little hand firmly grasped in mine. The series of 'last times' went on.

I panicked. There would be no more firsts... how could my little boys be growing up this fast? Would these 'lasts' replace all the 'firsts'?

No. 

Because each time one of my sons did something created out of comfortable routines and memories for the last time, it was also the first time he was trying out something new. It was the first time he was stepping into uncharted  waters. It was the first of many character-building moments.

The day my boy walked himself to class alone - it was his first real experience and expression of self-confidence, and feeling of assurance in the safety of his environment.

When I brushed my little boy's teeth for the last time, it was also the first time he took ownership of his body and assured me and showed me that he could do things all by himself. Sure, it was just a simple little task. But to him it was huge and so, it was to me too.

I now realise that there are never any real 'last times' in parenthood. Every single moment, every little step your child takes, every experience, is a first in some way.

It's true, you won't ever experience the exact feeling you got when your baby flashed a gummy smile at you for the first time, or when you saw a hint of pearly whiteness in his gums, telling you that his first tooth was about to pop out. But you'll experience that high all over again, in a brand new way, when his 'big boy' teeth push out for the first time.

And so, like this, you'll experience a brand new series of 'firsts' and 'lasts' as your child grows... and so will he.

There will be a last time he holds your hand in public, and the first time he holds the hand of the girl he loves.

There will be a last time he sleeps in his own bedroom with the superhero stickers still stuck on walls. And there will be a first time he ventures out into the wide world, no longer a child, already an adult, and sleeps elsewhere for the first time. The last tear you shed as he leaves and the first tear of absolute pride at his achievements.

Parents, each 'last' in childhood heralds the beginning of a 'first'. The beauty of it all is the blurring of the boundaries between these many firsts and lasts, as they merge into interlinked, precious, emotion-heavy memories.

And at the same time, some things never end.

There will never be an end to your love for your child. There will never be an end to the mother-child bond you share. And some day, when your child becomes a parent, the cycle of firsts and lasts will be reborn.

That's the bittersweet beauty of parenting that you and I know. This will never end.

Did this article move you? Tell us how you feel! Share your own parenting realizations in a comment below. 

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore

Be sure to check out theAsianparent Community for more insightful stories, questions, and answers from parents and experts alike. If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

Partner Stories
Parents, here's what you should do when your child sees you and your spouse fighting
Parents, here's what you should do when your child sees you and your spouse fighting
#SendLoveWithBebeBata
#SendLoveWithBebeBata
3 Game Changing Baby Products that’s Now Available
3 Game Changing Baby Products that’s Now Available
13 Must-haves for Your Online Baby Checkout Checklist
13 Must-haves for Your Online Baby Checkout Checklist

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Nalika Unantenne

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Parenting
  • /
  • From the first time to the last time: A mom’s parenting realization
Share:
  • Parents' Guide: 17 things na hindi dapat gawin sa newborn baby

    Parents' Guide: 17 things na hindi dapat gawin sa newborn baby

  • Best baby wash brands for newborns in the Philippines, according to Pinoy moms

    Best baby wash brands for newborns in the Philippines, according to Pinoy moms

  • Best baby monitor brands in the Philippines to help keep an eye on your baby

    Best baby monitor brands in the Philippines to help keep an eye on your baby

  • Parents' Guide: 17 things na hindi dapat gawin sa newborn baby

    Parents' Guide: 17 things na hindi dapat gawin sa newborn baby

  • Best baby wash brands for newborns in the Philippines, according to Pinoy moms

    Best baby wash brands for newborns in the Philippines, according to Pinoy moms

  • Best baby monitor brands in the Philippines to help keep an eye on your baby

    Best baby monitor brands in the Philippines to help keep an eye on your baby

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at update sa pag-aalaga ng baby at kanilang kalusugan.