A lot of families fall into the trap of thinking that they only need to think about big milestones; however, it's all the little moments that happen in families that are the ones that usually stick with you longer. They all add up and sneak up on you, like the first time that your child ties their shoes or the first time they help you bake some cookies. All these little moments probably won't make it into the family photo album; however, they are something that helps your children build up confidence, gives them an element of independence, and also brings a lot of joy into their family home.

You probably already know this as a parent, but your children learn a lot from you, and this goes the same for watching you in new situations. When they see that you are trying something new or unfamiliar, they pick up on your attitude rather than just the words that you are saying. This is why shared activities are a really great way for you to bond with each other, but also show your kids, by leading by example, how to deal with trying new things. This way, when they come to take their first gymnastics class, for example, they'll already know that it's far more important to show up and try than to try and be perfect the first time.  Even if your child doesn't grasp everything straight away, this type of experience is a great way to teach them to have some focus, some patience, and to have an element of trusting themselves. These are the types of moments that start to make them realize that starting off small, making mistakes, and practicing are what's really, really important.

Some of the best moments happen right at home when doing normal activities. If you've ever tried baking with children, you know it can be extremely messy and unpredictable. But after all the mess and chaos, it turns into something that was worth it all in the end. What is really important is the fact that doing something like this makes them feel included. Baking turns into an easy way to teach teamwork, patience, and following instructions. You're not just making a batch of cookies; you are building moments full of memories, shared effort, and pride in something that you have worked hard together to build.

Small firsts might not seem like something that's really important to begin with, but once you start seeing them adopt, you will soon realize that every new experience and every shared moment together is something that creates a home where your child feels supported and loved. You appreciate the small firsts and the little things at home with your family.