Why Does Childhood Feel So Fast?
The Science Behind Fleeting Moments
BBecoming a parent is one of life’s greatest adventures. From the first flutter of excitement when you realize your world is about to change, to the everyday magic of raising a child, parenting is a journey filled with unforgettable moments. But if there’s one universal truth every parent agrees on, it’s this: time flies far too fast.One moment, your baby is cooing in your arms, and the next, they’re running off to kindergarten. These fleeting moments can feel overwhelming, bittersweet, and beautiful all at once. At Petit Paradis Kids, we understand the desire to hold onto these precious memories forever—that’s why we’re here to help you celebrate every stage of your child’s life.
The Perception of Time: Why It Feels So Fast
As parents, it can feel like childhood flies by in an instant, and there’s a scientific reason behind this perception. Studies in psychology show that our brains perceive time differently depending on our age.
According to research published in European Review, adults perceive time as moving faster because they process fewer “new” experiences compared to children. For children, every day is filled with discovery and novelty—new words, new faces, and new skills—which makes time feel slower.
For adults, routines and repetition dominate, which compresses time in our perception.This feeling of “time speeding up” as we age is called the “time compression effect” and has been studied by psychologists like Dr. Adrian Bejan of Duke University. Dr. Bejan explains in the journal European Review that as we grow older, our brains process fewer visual and sensory images because the neural pathways for those experiences are already established.
In contrast, for children, each day is a rich sensory experience, making time feel stretched out for them while it seems to race by for adults.This is why parents often feel like they “blinked,” and their baby has suddenly grown into a toddler, and then into a school-aged child.
Child Development: Why the Early Years Are So Precious
Childhood moves quickly, not just because of how we perceive time but because children grow and change at an extraordinary pace, especially during the first five years.
Brain Development in Early Childhood
The first few years of a child’s life are critical for brain development. According to the Urban Child Institute, a child’s brain reaches 80% of its adult size by age three and 90% by age five. During this period, a child forms more than 1 million new neural connections every second. These connections lay the foundation for learning, memory, emotional regulation, and personality.
This rapid growth makes the early years a time of constant milestones. Every day brings something new—whether it’s their first smile, first words, or first steps. For parents, it can feel like their baby is growing up right before their eyes.
The Power of Emotional Attachment
According to attachment theory, developed by British psychologist John Bowlby and expanded upon by researchers like Mary Ainsworth, the bond formed between a parent and child in the early years is foundational to their emotional health. Positive interactions—like holding, soothing, and playing with your child—create a sense of security that helps shape their emotional resilience and relationships later in life.These moments of connection, no matter how small, play an essential role in your child’s development. The simple act of reading a bedtime story or cuddling after a long day creates memories and emotional bonds that last a lifetime.
The Magic in Everyday Moments
While it’s easy to celebrate big milestones—first words, first steps, first days of school—it’s often the smaller, everyday moments that make parenthood so magical.
The way they wrap their tiny hand around your finger.
The sleepy smiles during late-night feedings.
The sound of their giggles as they chase bubbles in the yard.
These “micro-moments” may seem insignificant at the time, but research shows they have a profound impact. According to Dr. Susan Krauss Whitbourne, a psychology professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, these small emotional interactions strengthen the parent-child bond and create a foundation for long-lasting, positive memories.
Additionally, a study published in the journal Emotion highlights that savoring these moments—by being present and mindful—can actually make time feel as though it’s moving more slowly. Parents who consciously focus on appreciating these everyday experiences report a stronger sense of satisfaction and connection with their children.
Why Keepsakes Matter: Preserving the Fleeting Years
Parents often feel torn between living in the moment and wanting to preserve it forever. This is where keepsakes play an essential role. They act as physical reminders of the magic of childhood, helping you hold onto the moments that pass by too quickly.
Research published in Memory Studies emphasizes the emotional importance of keepsakes, noting that they help parents revisit and relive cherished memories, even years later. Whether it’s a favorite onesie, a custom illustration, or a lock of hair from their first haircut, these tangible items evoke the sights, smells, and feelings of your child’s early years.
At Petit Paradis Kids, we’ve made it our mission to create timeless keepsakes that celebrate your child’s individuality. Each piece is crafted with love, designed to grow with your child, and serves as a lasting reminder of the joy they brought to your life during these fleeting years.
Finding Beauty in the Chaos
Parenthood isn’t always picture-perfect. There are sleepless nights, piles of laundry, and moments when you’re not sure if you’re doing it right. But even in the chaos, there’s an undeniable beauty—the kind that catches you off guard and takes your breath away.
It’s in the way your baby smiles at you like you’re their whole world. It’s in the way they say “I love you” for the first time. It’s in the messy, imperfect moments that you’ll one day wish you could relive.
By embracing the chaos and focusing on the love and connection you share, you’ll find that the most meaningful moments often come in the most unexpected ways.
A Gentle Reminder: Slow Down and Savor It
In a world that moves so quickly, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of parenting. But the truth is, you’ll never regret slowing down to cherish the moments that matter most.
Take extra pictures, even if they’re a little blurry.
Write down the funny things your child says, even if it’s on a scrap of paper.
Hug them a little longer, even when they’re squirming to get free.
Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child emphasizes that small, consistent interactions—like hugs, shared laughter, and bedtime routines—are what build trust, communication, and emotional well-being. These small moments add up to create a deep, lasting connection between you and your child.
We’re Honored to Be Part of Your Journey
At Petit Paradis Kids, we’re more than just a brand—we’re parents who understand how precious these moments are. That’s why we pour our hearts into creating keepsakes that help you celebrate and remember every stage of your child’s journey.Time may fly, but with a keepsake in hand, you can hold onto a little piece of it forever. Let us help you preserve the magic of today so that you can treasure it for years to come.
References and Research Cited:
Bejan, Adrian. “Why the Days Seem Shorter as We Get Older.” European Review, Cambridge University Press, 2019.
Harvard University, Center on the Developing Child. “Serve and Return: The Building Blocks of Early Childhood Development.”
Whitbourne, Susan Krauss. “Creating Lasting Emotional Memories Through Micro-Moments.” Psychology Today, 2017.
Urban Child Institute. “Baby’s Brain Begins Now: Conception to Age 3.”
"Keepsakes, Memory, and Identity in Families." Memory Studies, 2014.
