Parenting Doesn't Get Easier... It Just Changes

Ethan, my three-year-old, was riding his Strider bike through Nana's house when Ellen and I walked in. At Nana's house, pretty much anything goes, so it felt like we had stepped into a three-ring circus.

Within seconds, Ethan jumped off his bike to wrestle with his brothers because Isaac or Evan had dared to touch one of "his" toys.

Typically, Isaac and Ethan are the ones who clash the most. But lately, Evan has started standing up for himself. At just 17 months old, he can't talk yet, but the sounds he makes when Ethan tries to steal "his" toys make you wonder exactly what choice words he's trying to say.

Amid the screaming, crying, and general chaos, I looked at my mom and asked, "When does this parenting thing get easier?"

My exhausted mother—whose hair was going in every direction after spending the entire day with my boys—just looked at me and said, "It doesn't."

Confused, I replied, "What?"

She smiled and repeated herself.

"It doesn't."

Then it hit me.

She wasn't talking about my boys.

She was talking about me.

Apparently, I'm still one of her parenting challenges. Some of you reading this are probably thinking, "Yeah... that sounds about right."

The more I thought about it, the more I realized she's right.

There isn't a "cruise control" phase in parenting. Every season brings new challenges. One day you're chasing toddlers through the house, changing diapers, and breaking up fights over toys. Before you know it, you're navigating curfews, first dates, driver's licenses, and helping your adult children make life-changing decisions.

The challenges don't disappear.

They simply change.

The same is true with our health.

So many people think the goal is simply reaching a number on the scale. But health is so much more than that. Since maintaining a healthy weight is something many people struggle with—including me—I'll use that as an example.

Losing weight takes intentional effort. It requires changing habits, making sacrifices, and staying disciplined day after day. Reaching your goal is something to celebrate.

But it would be foolish to think the work is over.

If I went back to eating the way I did before, I shouldn't be surprised if the weight returned. The goal isn't simply to lose the weight—it's to become the kind of person who lives a healthier lifestyle for the rest of their life.

Parenting works the same way.

Just because your children no longer wear diapers doesn't mean your job is finished. Every stage requires your attention, wisdom, and intentionality.

The reward isn't found in reaching an easier season.

The reward is found in faithfully showing up through every season.

Whether it's raising children or taking care of your health, there is no cruise control.

Both require daily investment.

Both require consistency.

And both are among the most rewarding journeys we will ever experience.

Your friend,

Dr. Mosier