Looking Back: Parenting Lessons I Learned While Raising My Kids

If there’s one thing parenthood teaches us, it’s that the years truly do fly by. One minute you’re helping with homework, baking cookies, and sewing Halloween costumes, and the next you’re watching your children drive off to high school or college.

As parents, we spend so much time worrying about whether we’re doing enough, making the right decisions, and creating meaningful childhood memories. Looking back now, there are several things I’m incredibly grateful I did when my kids were young—and a few things I wish I had approached differently.

Whether you’re in the toddler years, navigating elementary school, or raising teenagers, these reflections may inspire you to savor the moments, start new traditions, and avoid a few common parenting regrets.

8 Things I’m Glad I Did When My Kids Were Little

1. Volunteered in Their Classrooms

I am glad I volunteered as much as I did in my kids’ classrooms. When they were in elementary school, I was there often. Sometimes I was the room mom, but most of the time I was simply helping wherever needed. I’d like to think my kids enjoyed having me there, too.

Believe me—once they reach high school, they won’t be asking you to hang around the classroom. Take advantage of those opportunities while you can.

2. Made Their Halloween Costumes

I am glad I handmade most of my kids’ Halloween costumes. One year I sewed my daughter a ladybug costume that I still have tucked away because I can’t bear to part with it.

Over the years there were scarecrows, cows, Star Wars characters, and plenty of creative costumes held together with fabric glue and duct tape. Looking back, the time spent making those costumes became just as meaningful as Halloween itself.

3. Baked Together

Some days I wasn’t in the mood for the mess that comes with baking with children. And what a mess they could make!

Still, I’m glad I said yes most of the time. Whether we were making cookies, cakes, or holiday treats, those moments in the kitchen became cherished family memories.

4. Saved Their Letters to Santa

I am so thankful I kept every letter my children wrote to Santa.

Reading them now brings back memories of their personalities, interests, and childhood dreams. One day I’ll surprise them by pulling those letters out and sharing them.

5. Created Photo Scrapbooks

I kept a scrapbook for each child, along with a family photo album.

The kids still enjoy flipping through those pages and reliving birthdays, school events, vacations, and holidays. In today’s digital world, there’s something special about holding those memories in your hands.

6. Required Thank-You Notes

Writing thank-you notes wasn’t optional in our house.

Teaching gratitude is one of the most valuable life lessons we can give our children, and handwritten notes helped reinforce that lesson from an early age.

7. Recorded Family Memories in My Cookbooks

After trying a recipe, I would write notes in my cookbooks about when I made it and why.

Those little notes have become unexpected memory keepers. Every recipe tells a story—from school projects and family celebrations to favorite meals shared around the dinner table.

8. Took First-Day-of-School Photos Every Year

Every year, without fail, I took a first-day-of-school photo.

My teenagers weren’t always thrilled about it, but I insisted. Years from now, they’ll appreciate seeing how much they changed from one school year to the next—and so will I.

8 Things I Wish I Had Done Differently as a Parent

1. Started Saving for College Earlier

If I could go back, I would start saving for college much sooner.

One of the biggest parenting lessons I’ve learned is not to rely on scholarships. While they certainly help some families, most college expenses still fall on parents and students. Starting early can make a tremendous difference.

2. Taught Bed-Making as a Daily Habit

I wish I had taught my kids to make their beds every morning from the time they were little.

Habits formed in childhood tend to stick, and this is one routine I wish we had established sooner.

3. Thought Beyond Elementary School When Choosing a Neighborhood

When we moved, I focused almost entirely on finding a great elementary school.

What I didn’t consider enough was the middle school and high school experience. Later, we ended up moving again because of concerns about the schools our children would attend as they got older. It was an expensive lesson.

4. Taken a Winter Family Vacation

Growing up in Michigan, I loved skiing, sledding, and other winter activities.

While we enjoyed many beach vacations as a family, I wish we had mixed in a ski trip or winter getaway so my children could experience those traditions too.

5. Invested in More Professional Family Photos

Like many families, we tried to save money wherever we could.

Looking back, I wish we had invested in more professional family photos. They become priceless over time.

6. Learned to Decorate Sugar Cookies

I tried. I really did.

Unfortunately, sugar cookies and I never became friends. They stuck to the pan, broke apart, and rarely looked the way I envisioned. These days, I’ve accepted my strengths and stick with cupcakes instead.

7. Taken More Videos and Friend Photos

I wish I had recorded more videos of my children during their teenage years.

Photos are wonderful, but videos capture voices, laughter, and personalities in a way that pictures simply can’t. I also wish I had taken more photos of my kids with their friends.

8. Gotten a Dog Sooner

We got our Golden Retriever, Oakley, when our kids were already in middle and high school.

We absolutely adore her, but sometimes I wonder about all the memories we missed out on by waiting. Yes, puppies are a lot of work, but they’re also a huge source of joy and family connection.

Parenting Takeaways: What Matters Most

As parents, it’s easy to focus on perfection. The truth is, our children won’t remember every clean house, completed chore, or perfectly planned day. They’ll remember the traditions, the time spent together, the laughter in the kitchen, family pets, holiday memories, and the moments when we showed up for them.

The good news is that parenting is a journey, and there’s always time to start a new tradition, take more photos, save meaningful keepsakes, or simply spend more time together.

Final Thoughts on Raising Kids

Looking back, I’m grateful for the memories we created and the lessons we learned along the way. While there are certainly a few things I wish I had done differently, I’ve come to realize that parenting isn’t about getting everything right—it’s about being present and making the most of the years we have with our children.

If your kids are still young, consider this your reminder to take the photo, save the letter, bake the cookies, volunteer at the school, and create the memories. Childhood goes by quickly, but the moments you invest in today can become treasured family stories for years to come.

FAQ

What are some things parents often regret not doing with their children?

Common parenting regrets include not taking enough photos and videos, not saving more for college, not creating family traditions, and not spending enough quality time together.

What memories should parents save for their children?

Letters to Santa, artwork, report cards, school photos, scrapbooks, handwritten notes, and family recipes can all become treasured keepsakes.

How can parents create lasting memories with their kids?

Simple activities such as baking together, volunteering at school, taking annual photos, family vacations, reading together, and celebrating traditions can create lifelong memories.

Is it too late to start family traditions?

Not at all. Whether your children are toddlers, teens, or young adults, it’s never too late to create meaningful family traditions and memories.

About the Author

This article was written by guest contributor Lisa Lemieur, in 2016, creator of the lifestyle blog Pickles & Cheese, where she shares stories about family life, parenting, food, and everyday moments that make life memorable.

Want to see more blogs like this and also get notifications on local events and happenings? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter.