Heidi Brooks

By: Treagan Amyot

Why You Should Cherish the Chaos: A Powerful Parenting Reminder Before School Starts

As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, many parents breathe a sigh of relief. The return to routines, early bedtimes, and quiet homes feels like a gift. I remember feeling the same way—finally, some peace and quiet!

But before we fully dive into busy mornings, packed lunches, and homework help, it’s worth pausing to reflect on something important: the beauty of everyday parenting chaos.

Embracing the Messy Moments of Parenthood

Meet Jude—a spirited little boy who loves to color on walls and throws temper tantrums without warning. He’s active, curious, and exhausting. His parents, like many of us, feel overwhelmed, discouraged, and unsure of how to handle the daily struggles of raising a young child.

In search of guidance, they take a trip to Grandma Gigi’s house, hoping for advice from someone who’s been through it all.

What Gigi tells them is the heart of this story—and a reminder every parent needs to hear.

A Parenting Perspective That Will Change How You See the Chaos

Gigi shares that she, too, once had a little boy just like Jude. He was loud, messy, wild—and she often felt the same exhaustion. But then, seemingly overnight, he grew up. He moved out, started a life of his own, and the house that was once full of noise became quiet. Too quiet.

Her advice?

“Hold him a little tighter. This stage doesn’t last forever.”

The Takeaway: Slow Down and Soak It In

In our fast-paced world of parenting tips, behavior charts, and school prep checklists, it’s easy to wish for quiet, for order, for control. But the real magic of parenting is in the mess. It’s in the loud moments, the sticky fingers, the late-night cuddles, and the temper tantrums.

So as the school year begins, take a moment to cherish the chaos, to breathe in the noise, and to hold your children a little closer. Because one day, the house will be clean and quiet—and you’ll miss the beautiful mess you once wished away.