What's the biggest "I can't believe they can do that now!" moment you've had? Win a £200 Smyths voucher

[geemumsnet]

From babies taking their very first steps to toddlers suddenly chatting away or becoming wonderfully independent, every child has those moments that catch you by surprise.

One day they're relying on you for everything, and the next they're showing you just how much they've grown.

Whether it was hearing their first words, watching them master a new skill or seeing their confidence shine through, it's often these everyday milestones that become the memories we treasure most.

That's why today we're celebrating those unforgettable “wow” moments you’ve had with your children and would love to hear yours.

Tell us below:

• What happened?
• Why did that moment stick with you?
• Has there been another milestone that's been just as memorable?

Join the conversation below for your chance to win a £200 Smyths toys voucher. T&Cs apply.

My dd3 said mama early- about 7 months old - but her second word was naana which thrilled her nana (nightmare MIL) but she was pointing at a banana …🫣🍌😅

Hearing the microwave ping and realising my son was making his own porridge in the morning! It turned out more like flapjack than porridge apparently, but he enjoyed it nevertheless and has since learned how much milk he needs to add.

One of my favourite “wow” moments was watching my little one take their first proper steps. They’d been holding onto furniture and taking the odd wobbly step, but then one day they suddenly let go and walked towards me. I remember being so excited and emotional at the same time — it felt like such a huge moment, even though it was only a few little steps! ❤️
It stuck with me because it was one of those moments where you realise just how quickly they’re growing and becoming their own little person.
Another milestone that’s been just as memorable is hearing their first proper words and then watching their personality develop as they learn to communicate. Those everyday little achievements really are the moments you treasure most.

I’ll never forget my dd taking her first steps, I was so excited I cheered so loud and she laughed and then she just kept on walking 😂 amazingly I had my camera in my hand and captured it. She was only ten months aswell 😮

When my DD finally did not fall off her bed! She has had a bed guard until nearly 6 years old and after that we needed to put pillows all over her room as she always somehow ended up on the floor. I told her would it not be nice if she turned 6 and was still in bed like a big girl? And somehow it worked… found her in bed on her 6th birthday and ever since! :)

My daughter was a late walker, she would potter about the house coasting whilst holding onto furniture but wouldn't walk unaided. She was due to start nursery in a few short weeks at the age of 19 months but they wouldn't let her join the toddler room until she could walk on her own. With a fortnight or so to go she not only started walking unaided but then within a few days walking for about 8 hours all around the zoo, she wasn't going back into the buggy for anyone, she was off!

I remember my DS starting to walk; he didn't seem interested and was quite happy crawling. He could pull up to standing but made no effort to move, which was fine. One day, he managed to get himself standing while in the middle of the room - nothing to lean on - then just walked towards me! It was so funny to go from nothing to full on walking.

Definitely her first steps. We were in France on holiday, and I remember loving that her dad was there too.

I found out recently my eldest DD sees colours and textures in songs and has done for as long as she can remember. She also says most people have a colour. Apparently I am dark green. Days of the week are also different colours. It’s actually fascinating how her creative mind works.

Seeing my son swim a lap at the pool. I can hardly doggy paddle and he's only little. I felt all teary!

DDs first word was 'self' - meaning she wanted to do it by herself. Quickly followed by 'my do it' ! She was only about 2 but was very independent from such a young age.

Becoming more independent to get to/from college.

After what felt like a lifetime building Lego sets for my son… this year age 6 he built a car with no help!
It takes pride and place on a shelf in his room!

my fingers got a break and he was so proud of himself!

When my DS finally was able to sit and complete a piece of homework independently without asking me to sit with him and assist. It took several years to reach that point and it’s a relief but a small part of me misses feeling needed.

Two and a half year old granddaughter was trying to get into the bathroom where her brother was. He had locked it from inside and she couldn’t get in so she said ” I know what to do” went to the kitchen and came back with a knife and used it on the slot under the handle to unlock the door. I asked if her brother had done that before and she said “ no i just did it.”

The point at which we discovered my niece could climb out of her cot was when she appeared at the door of the lounge looking exceedingly pleased with herself!

MY DC amazed me by always being able to know left from right -something I still can't do and I'm nearly 70.

The older one amazed us all because they have no fear of spiders. From age 3 they could calmly pick up the biggest, hairiest, most terrifying specimen and carry it gently into the garden whilst their siblings and I cringed.

DD was globally developmentally delayed when little. She did toddler ballet age 3-4 where her friends all learned to skip beautifully. She just couldn't do it.
We kept trying on and off, but in the scheme of things it wasn't important.
When she was about 8 we went on holiday and visited Colchester Zoo. All of a sudden she started skipping down a path! It just clicked!

3 year old was a whizz on her balance bike and ready to transition up to a big girls bike ( no stabilisers ). Had a few goes trying but didn’t get it. A neighbour walked down our back lane, she turned to her and said ‘ I can ride my big girls bike’ ran into the garage, brought it out, jumped on it and pedalled off down the lane…. Leaving us as parents with open mouths.

One moment that really sticks with me was when my DC was about four and started getting dressed completely on their own. It seemed like such a small thing, but watching them proudly choose their clothes, struggle with the buttons and finally announce, “I did it myself!” made me realise just how quickly they were becoming independent. The red jumper and green trousers (the wrong way round) did not have the heart to change them around.

My DD's ballet teacher told me that you can't teach how to skip, it just happens all of a sudden one day when the penny drops, and everyone is different in the age when that happens.