While casually browsing Google for writing inspiration, I stumbled upon the topic, “What stage of parenting are you in?” At first, I dismissed it—it felt like such a broad subject. Besides, my kids already occupy most of my thoughts, and I cherish this little slice of me-time to write about something else. Yet, here I am, unable to set aside thoughts of them, even for a few brief moments. It seems they’ve dug their way into this space too!

I’m at that stage of parenting where I want my kids to grow up, but at the same time, I don’t. Being a mom to two boys is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. This Monday morning perfectly sums it up—chaos from the moment I woke them up, helped them get ready, packed their bags, and finally dropped them off at school. And now, after all that hustle, all I truly crave is a quiet moment and a warm cup of coffee.

In the midst of all the chaos, there’s nothing I love more than seeing their faces light up when they come back from school, searching for me and giving me a tight hug, as if we’ve been apart for ages.

On one hand, I love cheering them on as they reach new milestones, learn new things, growing into these incredible little humans. On the other hand, I wish I could press pause, hold onto the giggles, the tight hugs, cuddling with me inside my blanket, fighting for a space beside me, the little eyes searching for me when I am away for a day, when they need my approval to ensure them they are doing great and yes the lists are endless. It’s like a tug of war between pride and nostalgia.

As a mom of two boys, my days are a delightful mix of laughter, noise, and, occasionally, a good dose of exasperation. There are times when I feel like I’m absolutely nailing this parenting journey—like when they say something sweet, show kindness, or share their little adventures with me, taking care of each other, helping me clean the house. And then there are those moments.

Just last week, for example, was a whirlwind of misplaced items. First, it was gloves. Then a hat. And, finally, the pièce de résistance—the entire school bag! Yet, I reminded myself to stay calm, knowing he was navigating his own wave of emotions.

Beyond occasional adventures like these, the biggest daily challenge happens every single morning: waking up my youngest. He adores the coziness of his bed and has absolutely no intention of leaving it (Literally every single morning).

Getting him out of bed is a mission that requires creativity, patience, and occasionally a touch of humor. Some mornings, it’s a game of hide-and-seek. Other times, it involves “locking” his dad in a blanket to coax him into a daring escape to the bathroom. But the real challenge? Brushing his teeth.

Convincing him to brush feels like negotiating a major peace treaty. It takes a solid 15 minutes, during which he suddenly becomes the most affectionate child in the world—hugging me, kissing me, and wrapping me in his love… all while we’re standing in the bathroom. I, meanwhile, do my best to stay calm and composed, smiling like a flight attendant welcoming passengers aboard a turbulent flight.

Parenting, as chaotic as it is, somehow always finds a way to make me laugh, even on the busiest mornings.

Despite the busyness and the endless to-do lists, there are little pockets of joy in every day. It might be a random “I love you” whisper when I least expect it, or the way they burst into laughter over the silliest things or when they find me looking at the window when they come back home or  when they say I am the best whenever I cook their favorite dish or when they draw something special for me, or when they sense something isn’t good with me and try to be their matured selves and ask me a 100 times if I am okay. These moments make the rollercoaster ride worth every twist and turn.

Of course, like every parent, I’ve had my share of challenging moments. There was the time my little one took nearly three months to settle into school—a phase that felt like an eternity. Then came the marathon task of potty training, which turned out to be far tougher than I ever imagined. And not to forget convincing my elder one that everything would be okay after his favorite teacher left school or helping him navigate the separation anxiety he felt when his little brother was born.

There have been moments when I’ve felt more anxious than my kids. Like their first day at a new school when I couldn’t stop wondering how they’d adjust. Or the first time I had to stay away from them, a mix of guilt and worry tugging at my heart. When they are in the pool though they know how to swim. And those days when I realized too late that I hadn’t dressed them properly for the weather, —cue the self-blame spiral!

Parenting isn’t just about guiding them; it’s also a constant learning curve for me. Every tough moment is a lesson, even if it doesn’t feel that way at the time.

And while I might sometimes long for those elusive moments of peace, I know I’ll miss the chaos when it’s gone. One day, they’ll wake up on their own, pack their own bags, and head out into the world without needing me for every little thing. That thought both terrifies and reassures me.

And as I sip my coffee and take a breath, I remind myself: these moments, with all their chaos and charm, are the ones I’ll cherish the most.