Parenting Through the Early Childhood Years

By Theresa Mabry
​Encompass Director of Operations

Parenting young children is a whirlwind of emotions. It’s excitement, exhaustion, frustration, joy, love, and everything in between—sometimes all at once. I’ve raised three children of my own, and I vividly remember feeling those highs and lows daily, if not hourly! Now, as I watch my oldest raise my grandchildren, I see those same ups and downs from the perspective of a grandparent. While the experience is bittersweet, it’s also a reminder of how precious these early years truly are. I want to encourage you: enjoy the here and now. This season may feel long at times, but it passes quickly. And the growth and development happening in these early years is so crucial—blink, and you might miss it. 
So, how can you make the most of these formative years? Here are a few guiding principles to keep in mind: ​

1. Be Present—In Quantity and Quality 
As parents, we often hear that time spent is time well spent, but it’s not just about being physically present. It’s about being mentally and emotionally engaged, too. Balance is key. You want to be present in both the quantity of time you spend with your child and the quality of that time. Your role as a parent is one of the most powerful influences on their character development. By being actively engaged, you are helping them build their foundation of values, responsibility, and emotional intelligence. 
Make sure to connect with your child on a deep level—whether it’s through a shared moment of laughter, a hug, or simply listening to their thoughts. Children may not remember every lesson you teach them, but they’ll remember how you made them feel. Show them love, patience, and a Godly example, and you’ll be shaping their hearts in ways you can’t even measure. 
2. Relish the Phase They’re In 
It’s easy to get caught up in wanting your child to grow up quickly. We look forward to the next milestone—whether it’s them walking, talking, or becoming more independent—but in doing so, we often forget to fully enjoy the stage they’re currently in. Children are constantly developing, and each phase they go through is rich with new experiences, learning, and growth. 
When your child is fixated on learning to walk or speak their first words, they’re working hard at something monumental, even if it seems small. Pushing them too quickly to move to the next stage can cause frustration and missed opportunities for growth. Celebrate each moment, no matter how small it may seem. Remember, this stage won’t last forever, and one day, you’ll look back and wish you’d soaked it all in a little more. 
3. Keep Your Expectations Realistic 
In the early years, children are learning so much, but they’re also still figuring out the world around them. As Proverbs 22:15 says, “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child”. This is a reminder that children are still developing self-control, empathy, and understanding. As parents, it’s essential to keep our expectations in check. They won’t always get it right—whether it’s sharing toys, following instructions, or managing their emotions. And that’s okay. 
Instead of expecting perfection, focus on their growth. Adjust your expectations based on your child’s temperament, abilities, and developmental stage. Understand that mistakes are part of the learning process. By embracing the fact that your child will mess up and giving them the grace to do so, you create a safe space for them to grow without feeling pressured to meet unrealistic standards. 
Final Thoughts 
Parenting in the early childhood years is a beautiful mess of joy and challenges. It’s easy to get distracted by the chaos or to wish for the “next stage” to arrive. But I urge you to take a step back and appreciate the miracle of right now. These years are shaping the foundation of who your child will become, and the time you invest in them will impact them for a lifetime. 

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