As I sit here, reflecting on the fact that my son has gone off to college, I can’t help but think about all those precious “lasts” that passed without me knowing it. It’s something I wish I could go back in time and hold on to just a little longer. To all the moms of littles who are tired, overwhelmed, and sometimes running on empty—this is for you.

If I had known it was the last time my child would reach out and grab my hand, I would have held on so much tighter. If I had realized that one day, he would stop asking me to tie his shoes, I would have savored every knot and loop. If I had known that the last time, he crawled into my lap to snuggle was actually the last time, I would have let the dishes sit, the emails go unread, and simply stayed in that moment a little longer.

But the thing is, we don’t know. We don’t know when the last bedtime story will be read, or the last bandage will be placed on a scraped knee. We’re caught up in the chaos of everyday life, of trying to be everything to everyone. I get it. Some days, you’re just trying to survive. But one day, you’ll look back, and the moments you thought would last forever will suddenly be memories. And you’ll wish you could have pressed pause, just for a little while longer.

To the Moms of Littles—This is What I Want You to Know:

• Hold on Tight: When your little one grabs your hand—no matter how messy or busy the day is—hold on just a little tighter. One day, their hands will be too big, and they won’t need yours to steady them anymore.
• Let the Dishes Wait: When they want to crawl into your lap or beg you for “one more book,” take a deep breath and let the chores wait. The dishes will still be there in the morning, but your child will be a little older, a little more independent.
• Savor the Small Moments: When they ask you to kiss their boo-boo, or when they tell you their latest “big” secret, imprint it in your mind. One day, you’ll miss being their world, their go-to for comfort and reassurance.
• It’s Okay to Be Tired: I know you’re exhausted. I know some days it feels like you can barely keep going. And that’s okay. But in those moments, try to remember that the days are long, but the years are short. Before you know it, they’ll be off to their next big adventure, and you’ll wish for just one more night of bedtime chaos.

If I could go back in time, I would hold on to those last moments—those last snuggles, the last time they fell asleep in my arms—just a little bit longer. So to all the moms with little ones, try to live in the moment. Hold them close, say yes to the snuggles, and know that one day you’ll look back and miss even the tired, messy, chaotic days.

Because the truth is, you won’t know it’s the last time… until it’s already passed.