In our little farm town, we are fortunate to have a lot of young families and plenty of babies, toddlers and little ones always running around at community, school and church events. When we attend a basketball game in town, we see young parents struggling to keep their little ones occupied during the games.

Our “baby” in our family — and he hates it when we call him that — is now in seventh grade. So, it wasn’t that long ago that my wife and I were those parents, carrying around a bag of snacks and a car seat, and chasing our little ones here and there.

At the time, we didn’t really appreciate those moments because we were busy. Busy getting work done. Busy running to activities for the older kids. Busy around the farm and our home. We were busy.

The funny thing about this is that although we do not have little ones in the house anymore, we are still busy. The older kids have bigger problems and challenges to solve than a skinned knee, hurt feelings or being hungry.

The hectic nature of our lives as parents of older and adult children takes on a whole new level of patience, caring and, often, tough love. But we are still busy.

Words of wisdom

My uncle often says, “Life is a lot like a toilet paper roll. The closer you get to the end, the faster it goes.”

He is now well into his 90s, but he doesn’t let grass grow under his feet. He knows how fast life goes by, and I believe that he appreciates every day, no matter what.

My advice to those young parents who feel a bit of anxiety as they chase their kids around the basketball gym — or at church or around the farm or home — would be, “Don’t take those moments lightly. Don’t take them too seriously. But take them slowly, and appreciate those days when your children are young, you always know where they are, and you have more control over how to keep them safe.”

Remember, it won’t be long, and those little, energetic toddlers will be grown and have families of their own.

As the kids get older, the problems and challenges get bigger. Even when they are adults and have lives of their own, you don’t stop being their parents. You don’t stop caring for them and worrying about them. It’s part of the job, so just as well enjoy every moment of it.

Questions or comments, drop me an email at [email protected].