Every child needs something different from you at different times

I recently heard this piece of advice at a shower, and as a mom of three little ones, it truly resonated with me. I paused to reflect on the wisdom in these words.

Every baby is different. Some differences are easy to identify, such as whether a baby is born preterm or full term, colicky or calm, a good eater, or sensitive to dairy. Then there are the personality differences, which are harder to pinpoint but start to develop even before birth. For instance, many moms can tell if one baby was more active in the womb than another.

As a new mom, you’ll notice that your baby might need to be held more, nursed more, left alone more, fed more often, or may cry more than other babies. You will naturally adapt to meet the unique needs of your child. If their demands feel overwhelming or unreasonable, you’ll find compromises that work for both of you.

Right now, as a mom to a 6-year-old, a 3-year-old, and a 1-year-old, I’ve noticed how different their needs are at each stage. Their ways of expressing these needs vary, but this advice serves as a powerful reminder for me to pause and consider what each child requires from me right now. When I did, I realized my 6-year-old needed more food, my 3-year-old craved more snuggles and a more structured day, and my 1-year-old wanted to be held for the first hour of her morning.

I hope you can take a moment today to reflect on what your child needs from you in this current phase of their development. It’s a beautiful way to connect and grow with them.