34 Things Parents Wish They’d Done When Their Kids Were Young

Hey there, fabulous humans juggling the craziness of parenthood! Ever sat down with a glass of wine and thought, ‘I wish I had…’ about the days when your kids were still little? We’ve all been there. Here’s a list of 34 nuggets of wisdom from parents who have been through the trenches. Grab a comfy seat, some tissues (or a good laugh), and let’s share a moment of reflection. We’re diving into the delightful chaos of parenting and the things we wish we’d done differently when those kiddos were tiny.

1. Start a Family Journal

It’s easy to let moments slip by when you’re in the whirlwind of daily life. But imagine having a journal filled with snippets of your family’s life, a living testament to those years you wish you could bottle up. Every page, a doorway to the past.

Jot down the silly things your little ones say, glue in leaves from that autumn walk, or sketch the layout of your first home. Every entry? A tiny time capsule. It doesn’t need to be perfect; just authentic.

When the kids are grown and the nest is a little quieter, this journal will be your cherished time machine. So, grab a pen and start scribbling. Your future self will thank you for these tangible memories.

2. Capture Candid Photos

Posed pictures are great, but don’t underestimate the power of candid shots. Capture the messy, the unexpected, and the joy of the everyday.

Kids grow like weeds, and those spontaneous moments are the heartbeats of life. Snap pics of your little one covered in spaghetti or mid-giggle.

These unscripted images tell the real stories, the ones that trigger a flood of memories and emotions. Years down the line, you’ll treasure those perfectly imperfect photos where life was happening right in front of you.

3. Create a Traditions Calendar

Traditions shape family identity and create anchors in our lives. Imagine a calendar dedicated to family traditions, each month hosting a special day or event.

From Pancake Sundays to Family Movie Nights, these rituals are the glue that keeps us connected in the chaos.

Marking these on a calendar not only makes them official but gives everyone something to look forward to. Plus, it’s a brilliant excuse to create new memories and celebrate the mundane with flair.

4. Encourage Wild Imaginations

Letting kids’ imaginations run wild is a gift. Encourage them to build pillow forts and host tea parties with teddy bears.

Providing the space to dream and create helps boost their confidence and problem-solving skills.

So, unleash the creativity and join in the fun, even if it means wearing a tiara and talking to stuffed animals. Trust me, these quirky adventures are where the real magic happens.

5. Plan One-on-One Dates

Between work, chores, and life, spending quality time with each kid individually can fall by the wayside. Plan one-on-one outings, no distractions, just you and them.

These moments provide a chance to connect on a deeper level, strengthening the bond with each child.

Whether it’s a simple ice cream run or a trip to the zoo, these outings make your child feel special and heard. Plus, they’ll remember these moments as their own little treasures from growing up.

6. Embrace the Mess

Life with kids is gloriously messy. Instead of stressing over chaos, embrace it! Let them get dirty, spill stuff, and color outside the lines.

The messes are the memories that linger long after the chaos has cleared.

After all, life isn’t a pristine Pinterest board; it’s a beautiful, colorful mess that tells the story of love and laughter. So, roll up those sleeves and jump into the glorious untidiness of childhood.

7. Read Together

Books are portals to countless worlds. Spend time reading with your kids, letting stories whisk you away on adventures together.

Reading not only boosts their literacy but also strengthens your bond as you explore tales of dragons, heroes, and faraway lands.

These quiet moments spent together, lost in the pages of a book, become cherished memories, sparking a lifelong love for reading and learning.

8. Document Their Art

Kids’ art is pure, unfiltered creativity. Instead of shoving those masterpieces in a drawer, display them like the treasures they are. Create a gallery wall or a scrapbook, documenting their artistic journey.

This not only makes your child feel proud but also serves as a visual history of their growth and imagination.

Years later, these artworks will be a colorful reminder of those early years, preserving the innocence and joy they encapsulate.

9. Write Letters to the Future

Letters to the future are like messages in a bottle. Write letters to your kids that they’ll open years from now.

Share stories, hopes, dreams, and the everyday magic that defines your life together. Tuck them away for milestones like graduation or their wedding day.

These letters will become priceless gifts, capturing your voice and love across time, offering wisdom and comfort whenever they’re needed most.

10. Celebrate Milestones Big and Small

Every milestone, no matter how small, deserves celebration. From losing a first tooth to mastering the bike without training wheels, these moments are monumental in a child’s world.

Throw a mini party or create a recognition board to mark these achievements. It reinforces their importance and boosts confidence.

Create traditions around these celebrations, building a culture of joy and appreciation within your family.

11. Preserve Their Voices

Children’s voices change so quickly. Capture their giggles, first words, and silly songs on audio recordings.

These soundbites preserve the essence of their childhood, something photos can’t quite encapsulate.

Years later, hearing those voices will transport you back to those precious years, offering a priceless connection to the past.

12. Let Them Choose

Empower your kids by letting them make choices, whether it’s their outfit for the day or selecting a family activity. This empowers them to trust their instincts and feel valued.

Allowing choice fosters independence and decision-making skills. Sure, sometimes you’ll end up with a kid wearing a superhero cape to the grocery store, but those are the moments that build confidence.

Encouraging autonomy helps your kids learn responsibility and ownership over their decisions.

13. Teach Them to Cook

Cooking is a life skill that’s never too early to learn. Bring your kiddos into the kitchen and teach them to whip up their favorite dish.

It’s a delicious blend of learning and bonding, and you’ll be amazed at their enthusiasm to try new foods. Plus, these sessions are perfect for life lessons about nutrition and cooperation.

When they leave the nest, they’ll not only know how to fend for themselves but cherish those culinary adventures with you.

14. Spend Time in Nature

Nature is the ultimate playground. Take your kids hiking, camping, or just exploring the local park.

Experiencing the great outdoors fosters a sense of wonder and respect for the environment. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to disconnect from screens and connect as a family.

These adventures in nature will cultivate a love for the earth and become cherished memories of exploration and discovery.

15. Teach Empathy

Empathy is a gift that keeps on giving. Encourage your kids to understand and share the feelings of others by getting involved in community service or helping a neighbor.

These experiences teach compassion and kindness, values that will guide them throughout life.

Watching your child show empathy is one of the most rewarding experiences, knowing they’re growing into caring and understanding individuals.

16. Encourage a Love for Music

Music is the universal language of joy and expression. Surround your kids with different genres and instruments, and watch their love for music blossom.

Whether it’s singing together, playing an instrument, or dancing around the living room, these musical moments are pure magic.

Encouraging musical exploration enriches their lives, opening doors to creativity, emotion, and even community as they grow.

17. Teach Financial Responsibility

Money management is a crucial life skill. Introduce your kids to the basics of saving, spending, and budgeting early on.

Give them a piggy bank or open a savings account for them to manage, teaching smart financial habits.

These lessons will empower them to make informed financial decisions in the future, laying the foundation for a secure and independent life.

18. Explore Different Cultures

The world is a rich tapestry of cultures. Introduce your children to different cuisines, languages, and customs from around the globe.

Cook a new dish from a different country, celebrate international holidays, or learn basic phrases in another language.

These explorations open their minds and hearts, nurturing an appreciation for diversity and a curiosity about the world.

19. Foster Their Passions

Children’s passions are sparks that light up their world. Encourage their interests, whether it’s painting, sports, coding, or anything else that makes their eyes shine.

Provide the resources and support needed to pursue these interests, and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small.

These pursuits build confidence and resilience, teaching them the joy of pursuing what they love.

20. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful tool for happiness. Encourage your kids to reflect on what they’re thankful for, perhaps by keeping a gratitude journal.

These reflections cultivate an attitude of appreciation, shifting focus from what they lack to what they have.

Practicing gratitude together strengthens family bonds and fosters a positive outlook on life, enriching your children’s emotional well-being.

21. Encourage Outdoor Play

Fresh air and sunshine do wonders for the soul. Encourage your kids to spend time outdoors, playing, exploring, and simply being kids.

Outdoor play boosts physical health, creativity, and social skills, offering an endless canvas for imagination.

These playful moments under the sun become cherished memories of carefree days and unbridled joy.

22. Create a Family Cookbook

Recipes are more than ingredients; they’re memories. Compile a family cookbook, filled with the dishes that define your family’s culinary history.

Each recipe is a story, a celebration of heritage and love that you can pass down through generations.

Cooking together and creating this cookbook is an opportunity to bond, laugh, and savor the flavors of family tradition.

23. Encourage Storytelling

Storytelling is an ancient art that connects us. Encourage your children to tell their own stories, whether real or imagined.

These tales become a canvas for their creativity and a platform for their voice.

Listening to their stories, you’ll gain insights into their world, while they learn the joy of narrative expression and empathy.

24. Explore the Night Sky

The night sky is a wonderland of mysteries. Spend nights stargazing with your kids, mapping constellations, and pondering the universe’s vastness.

These cosmic adventures spark curiosity and a sense of awe, inviting questions and dreams.

As you explore the stars together, you’ll create celestial memories that feel both infinite and intimate.

25. Celebrate Each Birthday Uniquely

Birthdays are milestones that deserve unique celebration. Make each birthday special with a theme that reflects your child’s interests.

Whether it’s a pirate adventure or a carnival extravaganza, these celebrations are a canvas for creativity and joy.

Personalized birthdays leave lasting impressions, becoming cherished highlights in your child’s memory.

26. Teach Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a gift of presence. Encourage your children to practice mindfulness, teaching them to focus and find calm in the present moment.

It’s a skill that enhances emotional regulation and resilience, providing tools to navigate life’s challenges.

Practicing mindfulness together fosters a peaceful family environment and nurtures your child’s emotional intelligence.

27. Capture Their Growth in Photos

Time flies, and kids grow faster than we can blink. Capture their growth through annual photos, documenting the changes year after year.

These photos are markers of time, showcasing their journey from tiny tots to young individuals.

Flipping through these albums, you’ll relive the stages of their life, cherishing each phase and the memories they hold.

28. Explore Science Together

Science is a realm of discovery. Engage your kids in science experiments, turning your home into a laboratory of learning.

These hands-on experiences ignite curiosity and teach critical thinking, making science fun and relatable.

Exploring together fosters a love for knowledge, turning everyday moments into exciting scientific adventures.

29. Create a Family Tree

A family tree is a tapestry of history. Collaborate with your kids to build a family tree, connecting them to their roots and ancestors.

This project is a journey of discovery, unveiling stories and traditions that shape your family’s identity.

Creating a family tree strengthens familial connections and instills a sense of belonging and continuity.

30. Teach the Value of Friendship

Friendships are the fabric of life. Teach your kids the value of making and maintaining friendships, guiding them to be kind, loyal, and supportive companions.

Encourage social interactions and provide opportunities to build relationships, emphasizing empathy and respect.

These skills will enrich their lives, providing a support network and a sense of community as they grow.

31. Capture Their Laughs

Laughter is the melody of childhood. Capture their giggles on video, preserving the sound of unbridled joy.

These moments of happiness are infectious and timeless, offering a glimpse into the pure delight of youth.

Watching these videos in the future will bring smiles and warmth, reminding you of the playful spirit that filled those days.

32. Encourage Environmental Awareness

Caring for the earth is a shared responsibility. Teach your children about environmental conservation through hands-on activities like planting trees or recycling.

These actions foster respect for nature and inspire sustainable habits that last a lifetime.

As they learn to care for the planet, you’ll be nurturing their role as stewards of the environment.

33. Practice Kindness

Kindness is the cornerstone of humanity. Encourage your kids to practice kindness daily, from helping others to showing gratitude.

These acts of kindness build a compassionate character and create a ripple effect of positivity.

As they grow, they’ll carry these values with them, enriching their lives and the lives of those around them.

34. Encourage Questioning

Questions are the gateway to understanding. Encourage your children to ask questions and seek answers, fostering a curious mind.

Engage in discussions, explore topics together, and celebrate their inquisitiveness.

This culture of questioning nurtures a love for learning, empowering them to explore the world with confidence and wonder.