Are you in the ‘sweet spot’ of parenting? Our PLN writer explains why she is enjoying the time where her kids are not so little.

I like to take my kids to lots of community events. It’s a great way to get out and support local merchants, experience local attractions and have some family-friendly fun. The other day we were enjoying such fare with my mom along for the ride when our attention was grabbed by a nearby toddler who was throwing a tantrum in his stroller.

“Aren’t you glad you aren’t there anymore?” Asked my mom.

Bye-bye baby stage

It’s true. After years of running after babies, I am now in a new place. My kids are old enough to get just that little taste of freedom which allows me to catch a breath and just enjoy our outings a little bit more.

We can go to busier places because we no longer have a stroller, swimming lessons don’t involve me getting in the pool and when we go places we are all having fun instead of waiting for the inevitable break down.

I no longer countdown the hours until nap time because my kids are happy to ride bikes for hours while I garden or talk with the neighbours. My kids will swim laps in the pool while my husband and I lounge nearby, able to relax and enjoy the day just as much as the kids.

A new phase of life

It’s a time known as the sweet spot. When your kids are old enough to give you a little freedom, but young enough not to want their own.

My kids still think I am super cool to hang out with and they are starting to be tall enough for the fun rides.

We recently took a trip as a family to a waterpark and I was able to convince my oldest to ride down the big water slide with me, which we found out too late was completely in the dark. I screamed my head off but she thought it was hilarious and wanted to ride over and over again.

Our rides are getting scarier, our movies are getting funnier and our kids are growing up.

We are now planning a family vacation to Disney World where instead of being worried about crowd control and tantrums, we are planning which attractions are on our ‘bucket list’ and who will be the most impressed by Star Wars and Harry Potter Land (spoiler alert-it’s my husband!)

But at the moment my mom pointed out the little body crying in the stroller I knew that as much as I love my freedom now, I will always miss those baby and toddler years.

When it comes down to it, no amount of freedom compares to those chubby arms around your neck, and sweet baby voices declaring their love for their mama.

Except maybe getting to pick out a wand in Harry Potter land with your daughter.

Are you in the sweet spot of parenting? Let us know in the comments what activities you enjoy now/can’t wait to enjoy with your kids.