Why Celebrating Small Wins in Parenting Matters

Behind every sleepless night, cluster feed session, and grocery store meltdown is a parent doing their absolute best. In the rhythm of routines and responsibilities, it’s the small, unseen wins that light the way and they’re worth celebrating.

In those early newborn days, a small win might be getting your baby to sleep in their crib (even if just for 20 minutes). With a toddler, it might be leaving the house on time—with most of the essentials in tow. These moments may seem small, but for a parent in the midst of the chaos, they matter.

When we pause to notice the small wins along our parenting journey, we remind ourselves that we're doing more than just surviving—we're growing, learning, and showing up with love.

Let’s talk about why those little wins matter—and how to start noticing (and celebrating) yours.

Small wins are the quiet triumphs that often go unrecognized but make a huge difference in your day – and in your mental health.

For parents of newborns, small wins might look like:

• Managing to eat breakfast before noon
• Changing a diaper in the dark with one hand
• Taking your bubs on their first stroller or carrier walk (even just around the block)
• Asking for help, even when it feels hard
• Catching your baby’s smile and soaking it all in

For toddler parents, small wins might look like:

• Getting their shoes on without a meltdown
• Getting through mealtime without a spill 
• Your toddler is playing independently (even just for 5 minutes)
• Letting your child help—even if it gets messy and takes a bit more time
• Surviving bedtime with your patience intact

These are more than just small wins – they’re signs that you’re in it, showing up, and doing your best.

Some days, just making it to bedtime feels like a marathon. In the thick of sleep deprivation, meltdowns (theirs and yours), and the mental load you carry, those small, quiet wins be hard to find. But celebrating them isn’t just about staying positive—it’s about reminding yourself that even on the hardest days, you’re showing up with love and with your whole heart. Celebrating small parenting matters because: 

1. They Build Confidence and Momentum

Every time you acknowledge a win—no matter how small—it builds your confidence. You start realizing: I can do this. That positive reinforcement gives you the strength to keep going. 

For example, you made it through your first solo outing with your newborn. It was chaotic, sure. Your might have forgotten something—but you did it. And next time, it’ll feel just a little easier.

2. They Help Protect Your Mental Health

In those early months, the pressure to “do it all” can feel like a lot. Noticing the small wins helps ease the weight, making space for grace instead of guilt.

For example, when your baby sleeps, you choose to rest instead of folding the laundry or loading the dishwasher. It’s not being lazy – it’s putting self-care first.  

3. They Shift Your Focus from Perfection to Progress

A perfect parent doesn’t exist. We’re all still learning and growing. But when you start celebrating progress, you focus less on the things that didn’t get done—and more on what did.

For example, maybe your toddler ate frozen nuggets for dinner, but you sat together and laughed. It fills both your cups and that counts as a win. 

4. They Make the Hard Days Feel Worth It

Through the chaos and exhaustion, those little wins remind you that you’re not stuck—you’re evolving, learning, and growing with your little every day.

Even the smallest mindset shifts can help you start noticing the quiet victories already happening every day. Here are a few ways to start: 

• Keep a “Win Journal”: At the end of each day, jot down one thing that felt like a win. Over time, this journal will become a beautiful reminder of how far you’ve come.
• Set One Small Goal for the Day: Pick something small and kind to focus on—like drinking your coffee warm (even if it takes a few re-heats) or being present during breakfast without your phone. Tiny intentions like these can help you feel more grounded, accomplished, and connected to the moment.
• Share Your Wins with Your Village: Whether it’s a group text, a WhatsApp thread, or our Nest Designs & Petite Revery Parenting Village on Facebook, sharing your wins helps normalize real parenting and make another parent’s day better too.
• Use Visual Reminders: Create a "win jar" where you drop in little notes of daily wins. Or stick post-its on your mirror or fridge. Seeing them add up will be encouraging.

We know that in the early days—especially with a newborn—eating breakfast before noon can feel like a challenge. So when it comes to celebrating your parenting wins, the last thing you need is another big “to-do” list. That’s why we love the kind of self-care that’s immediate, doable, and just for you. 

Here are a few easy, feel-good ways to celebrate your wins—no planning, prep, or spa day needed.

• Make a hot cup of tea and actually enjoy it while it’s still warm
• Put on your favourite song and have a dance party with your baby
• Give yourself 15 minutes to scroll, nap, or do nothing
• Say it out loud and feel proud: “I did a great job today.”

Celebrating your wins doesn’t have to be big—it just needs to be intentional.

Whether you’re rocking a fussy newborn back to sleep on your yoga ball for the third time tonight or negotiating which shoes your toddler will wear out the door, you’re showing up.

So pause for a moment. Notice the little wins, the love you give even when you’re running on empty. You’re doing more than just getting through it – you’re growing like your bubs and that’s worth celebrating. 

You’re doing great. You've got this—and we see you.