I have always said that parenting is an endless string of phases.

Some make me sad they’re over; others I’m happy to see go.

Breastfeeding — Done. Peace.
Strollers — We pushed the limit on that one. But when your daughter breaks her foot two weeks before going to Ireland and is in a boot, you push the limit.
Car seats — Still can’t quite give that one up, but we’re getting closer.
Playgrounds — Really sad they don’t hold the same level of interest they once did… unless we have a basketball, and that eeks out a little extra time.

Today started a new phase.

I had an overnight work trip, which meant I wouldn’t be around in the morning to get everyone up, dressed, fed, and off to school. When the kids were much younger and I was traveling more often, I had a nanny or sitter help out. More recently, I’ve asked my mom.

But this time, I thought, They’re ready. They can do this.

So I explained it to them:

“I need you to get up, get dressed, eat breakfast, pack your bags, and be ready for Ms. Kat to pick you up.

I need you to text me when you get up.
I need you to text me when you’re ready to go.”

God love my husband. Upon hearing this plan, he voluntarily asked his boss if he could come in an hour later—just to be here and make sure they got up. (Sometimes my daughter can drag her feet.)

But guess what? They did it.

I’m so proud.
And relieved.

With all the other changes of late, it felt like the right time to hand over this responsibility. And they rose to the occasion.

Each new phase has its growing pains, but also its quiet victories. This one feels like both.

A special thank-you to Kat—our incredible morning MVP—for adjusting her own hectic routine to make this one go smoothly. It really does take a village.

What phase are you in right now? The one you’re clinging to—or the one you’re finally ready to let go?