There’s something universally devastating and beautiful about songs about kids growing up—that inevitable march of time that turns toddlers into teenagers and babies into adults. These tracks capture the bittersweet reality every parent, sibling, and family member knows too well: childhood is fleeting, and no amount of wishing can slow it down. The best songs in this category blend nostalgia with hope, heartache with celebration, and they’ve become the unofficial soundtracks to graduations, milestone birthdays, and those quiet moments when you realize your little one isn’t so little anymore.
Whether you’re a parent watching your child take their first steps toward independence or someone reflecting on their own journey from childhood to adulthood, these songs resonate on a deeply personal level. The production quality varies from stripped-down acoustic arrangements to lush orchestral pieces, but they all share one common thread: they make you feel something real. From country ballads that have dominated the charts to indie folk gems that deserve wider recognition, this collection represents the full emotional spectrum of watching children grow. If you’re building the perfect playlist for celebrating life’s passages or exploring more emotional music themes, check out our extensive collection of songs that capture life’s most profound moments.
“Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart’s 1988 masterpiece remains the definitive anthem for parents hoping their children maintain their innocence and joy as they navigate life’s complexities. The production, helmed by Bernard Edwards and featuring a sweeping arrangement with prominent synthesizers and Stewart’s signature raspy vocals, creates an atmosphere of both celebration and protective concern. What makes this track endure decades later is its universal message delivered through specific imagery—Stewart sings about wanting children to be courageous, stand upright, and be joyful, but the underlying current acknowledges he can’t actually protect them from everything. The song peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since become a staple at graduations and milestone celebrations, with its music video featuring Stewart performing alongside footage of children from various cultures.
“You’re Gonna Miss This” by Trace Adkins
Trace Adkins delivered one of country music’s most poignant reminders about appreciating the present moment with this 2007 release, which climbed to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The production by Frank Rogers keeps things relatively understated, allowing Adkins’ deep baritone to carry the emotional weight of the narrative that follows a woman through different life stages—from a teenager eager to leave her small town to a young mother overwhelmed by daily chaos to an empty nester watching her own children leave. The bridge hits particularly hard when the protagonist finally understands what her mother meant all along, and the way Adkins delivers these lines with a knowing weariness makes it feel like he’s lived through these exact moments himself. The song’s genius lies in its structure, showing how the advice we ignore in youth becomes the wisdom we desperately wish we’d heeded, and the fiddle-driven instrumental break provides a moment of reflection that mirrors the contemplative nature of the lyrics.
“My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
Rascal Flatts created what essentially became the soundtrack to every high school graduation in the mid-2000s with this 2006 single, which showcased the band’s ability to blend pop sensibilities with country instrumentation. Produced by Dann Huff and Jay DeMarcus, the track builds from a gentle acoustic opening to a full-band arrangement featuring soaring harmonies that the group has become known for throughout their career. Lead vocalist Gary LeVox’s emotive delivery of lines about hoping someone’s dreams stay big and their worries stay small feels genuine rather than saccharine, which is a difficult balance to achieve in songs with overtly inspirational messages. The song reached number one on the country charts and crossed over to adult contemporary radio, demonstrating its broad appeal beyond genre boundaries. What sets this apart from generic motivational songs is its specificity—these aren’t abstract wishes but concrete hopes that parents and mentors genuinely hold for the young people in their lives.
“Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” by Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan’s 2017 track takes a different approach to the growing-up theme by focusing on the rapid acceleration of childhood summers, using the titular progression as a metaphor for how quickly kids transform from carefree children to independent adults. The production by Jeff Stevens and Jody Stevens incorporates tropical-tinged elements that became popular in mainstream country during this period, with steel drums and a laid-back groove that contrasts beautifully with the lyrics’ underlying melancholy. Bryan’s vocal performance captures a father’s perspective as he watches his children experience the simple joys of summer—building sandcastles, chasing waves, staying up late—while simultaneously recognizing these moments are numbered. The song’s bridge delivers the emotional punch when Bryan sings about how these kids will eventually pack up and leave, and the production swells appropriately to underscore the significance of this realization. For listeners who appreciate country music’s storytelling tradition paired with modern production techniques, exploring various headphone options can help you catch every nuanced detail in tracks like this.
“Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen
The Boss delivered one of rock’s most honest examinations of nostalgia and the passage of time with this 1984 single from “Born in the U.S.A.,” which reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100. Springsteen’s narrative approach tells the story of running into old acquaintances who can’t stop talking about their high school glory days, and while it’s not explicitly about watching children grow up, it captures the universal truth that those formative years shape us forever. The production by Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin, and Springsteen himself features a driving beat and that signature E Street Band sound, with Roy Bittan’s synthesizers providing texture beneath Clarence Clemons’ memorable saxophone lines. What makes this song resonate across generations is Springsteen’s understanding that we all become the people in this song eventually—looking back on when we were young and everything felt possible. The chorus’s insistent repetition of “glory days” mimics how we obsessively return to certain memories, and Max Weinberg’s drumming propels the track forward even as the lyrics look backward.
“Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin
Harry Chapin’s 1974 folk-rock masterpiece remains the most devastating song ever written about parental regret and the cyclical nature of family relationships. The acoustic-driven production allows Chapin’s storytelling to take center stage as he chronicles a father too busy to spend time with his son, only to find in the song’s heartbreaking final verse that his grown son has become too busy for him. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and its cultural impact has endured for fifty years, with the phrase “cats in the cradle” becoming shorthand for absentee parenting. Chapin’s vocal delivery grows more desperate as the song progresses, particularly in the repeated refrain where the son says he’s “gonna be like you, Dad,” which transforms from innocent admiration to tragic prediction. The song’s structure, with its verses chronicling different life stages, creates a relentless forward momentum that mirrors how quickly childhood passes, and the minor-key melody reinforces the somber realization that we often don’t recognize what we’ve lost until it’s too late.
“Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon
Paul Simon crafted this tender meditation on the father-daughter relationship for the 2002 animated film “The Wild Thornberrys Movie,” and it earned an Academy Award nomination while reaching number 47 on the Adult Contemporary chart. The production features Simon’s characteristic melodic sophistication, with a gentle acoustic guitar foundation, subtle percussion, and layered harmonies that create a warm, protective sonic atmosphere. Simon’s lyrics move beyond simple sentimentality to explore the complex dynamic of a father recognizing his daughter’s independence while promising unwavering support—he sings about watching her become her own person while assuring her he’ll always be there when she needs him. The bridge’s melody lifts beautifully as Simon acknowledges his daughter’s strength, and the production choices deliberately avoid overdramatizing the emotion, instead trusting in the inherent power of the sentiment. The song’s arrangement feels timeless rather than dated to its early-2000s release, which helps explain why it continues to appear at weddings and father-daughter dances two decades later.
“Slipping Through My Fingers” by ABBA
ABBA’s 1981 deep cut from “The Visitors” album has experienced a significant cultural resurgence thanks to its inclusion in the “Mamma Mia!” films, introducing new generations to one of pop music’s most achingly beautiful songs about motherhood and time’s passage. Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’s production showcases the group’s sophisticated approach to pop arrangements, with layered synthesizers, acoustic guitar, and Agnetha Fältskog’s crystalline vocals conveying a mother’s realization that her daughter’s childhood is escaping her grasp. The verses describe ordinary moments—packing a school bag, brushing hair, saying goodbye—that suddenly feel precious because the mother recognizes their impermanence, and the pre-chorus’s ascending melody perfectly captures that rising panic of watching time accelerate. What distinguishes this from more overtly sentimental songs is ABBA’s restraint; the production never overwrought despite the heavy subject matter, instead letting the contrast between the bright melody and melancholic lyrics create the emotional impact. The synthesizer solo between verses provides a moment of reflection that allows listeners to absorb the weight of what Fältskog has just expressed.
“Turn Around” by Bonnie Tyler & Kareen Antonn
Bonnie Tyler’s powerful voice transforms this 1958 Malvina Reynolds composition into a three-minute emotional devastation in her 2004 duet version with French singer Kareen Antonn. The production updates the traditional folk song with contemporary pop-rock elements while maintaining the core simplicity that makes the lyrics so effective—the song uses the repeated phrase “turn around” to illustrate how quickly children progress through developmental stages. Tyler’s raspy vocals contrast beautifully with Antonn’s clearer tone, creating a generational dialogue that reinforces the song’s themes about parents watching their children become adults. The arrangement builds strategically, starting with minimal instrumentation and gradually adding layers as the child in the song ages, mirroring how our lives become more complex over time. Though never a major chart hit, this version has become a popular choice for school presentations and family milestone celebrations because it distills the entire arc of childhood into a digestible format. The decision to structure the song as a series of imperatives—”turn around and you’re tiny,” “turn around and you’re grown”—creates an urgency that captures how parents feel when they realize years have passed in what felt like moments.
“I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
Lee Ann Womack’s crossover smash from 2000 transcended country radio to become a cultural phenomenon, spending multiple weeks atop both the country and adult contemporary charts while reaching number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. Produced by Mark Wright, the song features a soaring melody carried by Womack’s emotionally resonant vocals, backed by sweeping strings and the Sons of the Desert providing additional harmonies that elevate the inspirational message. The lyrics, written by Tia Sillers and Mark D. Sanders, frame parental hopes as a series of contrasts—when faced with sitting out or dancing, the speaker hopes her child chooses to participate fully in life rather than watching from the sidelines. What prevents this from becoming merely a greeting card sentiment is Womack’s vocal commitment; she delivers each line with conviction that suggests she’s genuinely imparting hard-won wisdom rather than reciting platitudes. The song’s bridge, where Womack’s voice rises to express hope that her child never loses their sense of wonder, consistently elicits emotional responses from listeners, and the production wisely gives her space to breathe between phrases, allowing the weight of each hope to land before moving to the next.
“Stolen Dance” by Milky Chance
While not explicitly about children growing up, German folk-electronic duo Milky Chance’s 2012 breakthrough hit captures the feeling of youth slipping away through its dreamy production and wistful lyrics about wanting to hold onto moments before they vanish. The track’s distinctive sound combines acoustic guitar, electronic beats, and Clemens Rehbein’s vocals processed through a harmonica-style effect, creating an atmosphere that feels simultaneously nostalgic and contemporary. The song became a global phenomenon, charting across Europe and reaching the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in the U.S., demonstrating how the themes of transience and longing resonate across cultures. The production by the duo maintains a hypnotic quality throughout, with the repetitive guitar riff and steady beat creating a sense of time marching forward despite the narrator’s desire to pause it. The bridge’s instrumental section, featuring whistling and expanded percussion, provides the track’s most euphoric moment before returning to the verse’s more contemplative mood, and this structure mirrors how we experience brief moments of pure joy during periods of change and uncertainty.
“There Goes My Life” by Kenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney’s 2003 single flips the growing-up narrative by starting with a teenage pregnancy and following a father’s perspective as his initial panic transforms into devotion and eventually into the bittersweet pride of watching his daughter leave for college. Produced by Buddy Cannon and Norro Wilson, the track features understated production that prioritizes Chesney’s storytelling, with acoustic guitar, subtle pedal steel, and a rhythm section that supports without overwhelming the narrative. The song’s structure is particularly effective, with each verse representing a different stage—the discovery of the pregnancy, holding his newborn daughter, and finally watching her drive away—and the chorus’s title phrase taking on different meanings as the relationship evolves. Chesney’s vocal delivery captures the emotional progression convincingly, moving from fear to wonder to acceptance, and the production’s restraint allows listeners to focus on the story’s arc rather than getting distracted by sonic flourishes. The song reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and became one of Chesney’s signature tracks, resonating with parents who’ve experienced their own version of this journey from terrified to grateful.
“Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
Bob Carlisle’s 1997 contemporary Christian ballad became a mainstream phenomenon, crossing over to pop radio and reaching number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100 while dominating adult contemporary formats. Written by Carlisle and Randy Thomas, the song chronicles a father’s relationship with his daughter through key milestones—childhood bedtimes, sixteenth birthday, and wedding day—with each verse ending with the titular “butterfly kisses” that serve as a motif for tender paternal affection. The production by Denny Diante features a straightforward arrangement with piano, acoustic guitar, and strings that swell during the emotionally charged moments, particularly in the final verse when Carlisle’s character walks his daughter down the aisle. Critics have sometimes dismissed the song as overly sentimental, but its enduring popularity at father-daughter dances and weddings suggests it taps into genuine emotions that many families experience. Carlisle’s vocal performance walks a careful line between emotional and maudlin, generally succeeding in conveying authentic feeling, and the song’s bridge includes a prayer element that grounds the entire piece in a spiritual context without alienating secular listeners.
“Never Grow Up” by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s self-written track from her 2010 “Speak Now” album showcases her ability to capture complex emotions with deceptive simplicity, using sparse production to foreground lyrics that examine childhood innocence from multiple perspectives. Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, the song features primarily acoustic guitar and subtle piano, with Swift’s vocal delivery deliberately understated to create an intimate atmosphere. The verses move between addressing a young child experiencing typical childhood moments and Swift’s own realization that she’s aging out of youth, and this dual perspective gives the song unusual depth for a pop track about growing up. The chorus’s plea to “never grow up” acknowledges the impossibility of its own request, creating poignancy through that recognition of inevitability. Though never released as a single, the song has become a fan favorite and frequently appears on playlists for graduations and birthday milestones, particularly because Swift’s specific details—”your little eyelids flutter ’cause you’re dreaming,” “take pictures in your mind of your childhood room”—feel observed rather than imagined. The production’s minimalism serves the song’s message about appreciating simplicity before life becomes complicated.
“Gracie” by Ben Folds
Ben Folds crafted one of the most musically sophisticated entries in the growing-up genre with this 2005 track written for his daughter, featuring his characteristic piano-driven arrangement and emotionally direct lyrics. The production showcases Folds’ skills as both composer and performer, with complex chord progressions and dynamic shifts that mirror the emotional complexity of parenting—the verses feature relatively simple piano accompaniment before the chorus explodes with full band arrangement including strings. Folds’ vocal delivery captures a father’s mixture of wonder, protectiveness, and awareness that his daughter will face challenges he can’t prevent, and he addresses her directly throughout the song rather than singing about her, creating unusual intimacy. The bridge’s instrumental section demonstrates Folds’ classical training, with piano flourishes that elevate the track beyond typical singer-songwriter fare, and the decision to fade out on a repeated piano motif suggests the ongoing nature of the parent-child relationship. Though it never charted significantly, “Gracie” has become one of Folds’ most beloved tracks among his dedicated fanbase, with many citing it as one of his most emotionally affecting compositions. If you’re discovering artists like Ben Folds who prioritize sonic detail and production quality, investing in quality earbuds ensures you catch the nuanced arrangements that make these tracks special.
“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
Stevie Nicks’ 1975 composition for Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled album has become arguably rock’s most covered song about confronting change and the passage of time, with the parent-child interpretation emerging as one of several valid readings of its metaphorical lyrics. Nicks’ original version, produced by Keith Olsen and featuring Lindsey Buckingham’s delicate acoustic guitar fingerpicking, creates an atmosphere of fragility and contemplation that perfectly matches the lyrics’ uncertainty about the future. The song peaked modestly at number 51 upon initial release but has since become one of Fleetwood Mac’s most enduring tracks, with the Dixie Chicks’ 2002 cover version reaching number one on the country charts and introducing new audiences to Nicks’ composition. The verses’ imagery of snow-covered hills and reflections in a snow-covered mountain has been interpreted countless ways, but many parents have adopted the song as expressing their feelings watching children grow and wondering if they’ve been a good enough guide. Nicks’ vocal delivery conveys both vulnerability and strength, and Buckingham’s guitar work provides the perfect counterpoint—steady and beautiful but also melancholic. The chorus’s question about whether you can handle the seasons of your life resonates across generations, making this a rare song that means something different at each life stage.
“Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder’s joyous 1976 celebration of his daughter Aisha’s birth captures pure parental euphoria through seven minutes of genre-blending brilliance that incorporates soul, jazz, and pop elements into an irresistible groove. Produced by Wonder himself, the track features his harmonica playing prominently alongside synthesizers, bass, and drums, with Aisha’s actual crying and cooing sampled throughout to create an unusually intimate document of fatherhood. Wonder’s vocal performance overflows with genuine delight as he marvels at his daughter’s perfection, and the extended runtime allows the song to breathe and develop in ways typical single formats wouldn’t permit. Though not officially released as a single in the U.S. due to contractual disputes, the song became a radio favorite and has remained in constant rotation at baby showers and birth celebrations for nearly five decades. The instrumental sections showcase Wonder’s virtuosic musicianship, particularly his harmonica solos that seem to musically represent the joy and energy of new life, and the song’s fade-out suggests that this celebration could continue indefinitely. What makes “Isn’t She Lovely” special among songs about children is its pure present-tense happiness—Wonder isn’t worrying about the future or feeling nostalgic about the past, he’s simply overwhelmed with gratitude for this new person in his life.
“In My Daughter’s Eyes” by Martina McBride
Martina McBride’s 2003 ballad approaches the parent-child dynamic from the perspective of a mother finding redemption and purpose through her daughter’s perception of her, with production by McBride and Paul Worley that emphasizes the song’s emotional vulnerability. The arrangement begins with simple piano and McBride’s vocals before gradually introducing strings and fuller instrumentation as the song builds toward its climax, and McBride’s powerful voice conveys both fragility and strength as she describes seeing herself through her daughter’s idealized view. The lyrics, written by James T. Slater, move beyond celebrating the child to exploring how parenthood transforms the parent, with McBride singing about how her daughter’s love makes her want to become the person her child already believes her to be. The song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earned McBride a Grammy nomination, cementing her reputation for selecting and delivering emotionally resonant material. The bridge’s key change provides the song’s most powerful moment as McBride’s vocals soar, and the production wisely allows her voice to carry the emotional weight rather than burying it beneath excessive instrumentation. What distinguishes this from similar songs is its focus on the parent’s growth rather than just the child’s, acknowledging that these relationships transform everyone involved.
“The House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert’s 2010 masterpiece about returning to her childhood home to reconnect with her younger self became one of country music’s most acclaimed songs, winning both CMA and ACM Song of the Year awards. Produced by Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke, the track features a deceptively simple arrangement with acoustic guitar, piano, and subtle strings that allow Lambert’s vocal performance to take center stage as she delivers Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin’s lyrics with devastating authenticity. While not explicitly about watching children grow up, the song captures the universal experience of recognizing how our formative environments shape who we become, and many parents cite it as expressing their hopes that their children’s homes will provide similar foundations. Lambert’s vocal delivery remains remarkably controlled throughout, resisting the temptation to oversell the emotion, which makes the moments when her voice breaks slightly even more affecting. The song reached number three on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and crossed over to adult contemporary formats, demonstrating its appeal beyond traditional country audiences. The bridge’s section where Lambert describes specific memories—playing in the backyard, climbing the tree—provides concrete details that help listeners connect the song to their own childhood experiences, and the production’s restraint ensures these details remain audible rather than getting lost in sonic clutter.
“You Can Let Go” by Crystal Shawanda
Canadian country artist Crystal Shawanda delivered an underappreciated gem with this 2008 single that chronicles a daughter’s relationship with her father through three pivotal moments—learning to ride a bike, walking down the aisle, and saying goodbye on his deathbed. Produced by Don Cook, the track features traditional country instrumentation with prominent steel guitar and fiddle, while Shawanda’s vocals convey both vulnerability and strength as she portrays a woman who has leaned on her father throughout her life. The song’s structure cleverly uses the phrase “you can let go now, Daddy” in different contexts—from the reassurance that she can balance on two wheels to the heartbreaking permission to stop fighting for life—transforming the meaning while maintaining the melodic hook. Though it only reached number 60 on the country charts, the song has found significant life beyond radio through social media sharing and inclusion on father-daughter playlists. Shawanda’s vocal performance captures the progression from child to adult convincingly, with subtle changes in tone and delivery that suggest maturation without requiring heavy-handed production choices. The final chorus’s emotional weight comes from Shawanda’s commitment to the story rather than from any production gimmicks, and the steel guitar’s mournful tone in the outro provides the perfect conclusion to this meditation on the parent-child relationship’s evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular song about watching kids grow up?
“Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin remains the most culturally influential song about children growing up, having reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974 and maintaining constant relevance through its stark warning about parental absence. The song’s phrase has entered common language as shorthand for missed opportunities in parent-child relationships, and its structure—showing the cyclical nature of how children model their parents’ behavior—continues to resonate with new generations of listeners. While other songs like “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart and “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle have achieved significant commercial success and become staples at family milestone events, Chapin’s composition stands apart for its unflinching honesty about regret rather than offering comforting sentimentality. The song’s enduring popularity stems from its universal truth: time moves faster than we realize, and the relationships we neglect often mirror back to us the consequences of our choices.
Which songs are best for graduation ceremonies?
“My Wish” by Rascal Flatts has become the unofficial anthem of high school graduations since its 2006 release, with its balance of optimism and heartfelt advice making it appropriate for formal ceremonies while still feeling emotionally genuine. Other frequently selected tracks include “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack for its inspirational message about participating fully in life, and “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart for its timeless hopes that young people maintain their ideals as they enter adulthood. More contemporary choices like Taylor Swift’s “Never Grow Up” and “Long Live” have gained traction with younger audiences who appreciate Swift’s specific detail and melodic sophistication. The best graduation songs combine forward-looking optimism with acknowledgment of the transition’s emotional weight, avoiding both excessive sentimentality and hollow platitudes in favor of authentic expressions of hope and encouragement.
Are there any recent songs about kids growing up?
Luke Bryan’s “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” from 2017 offers a contemporary country perspective on watching children’s summer days accelerate toward independence, featuring the tropical-influenced production style that dominated mainstream country during that period while maintaining emotional authenticity in its lyrics. Thomas Rhett has also contributed several tracks exploring fatherhood and watching children develop, including “Life Changes” and “Daughters,” which incorporate modern production elements while maintaining country music’s storytelling tradition. The trend in recent years has moved toward more specific storytelling rather than universal statements, with artists drawing from personal experience rather than attempting to capture everyone’s experience of watching children grow. These newer songs often feature production that blends genre influences, reflecting how contemporary listeners consume music across traditional category boundaries while still seeking emotional connection to lyrics that address timeless human experiences.
What makes a song about growing up emotionally effective?
The most emotionally effective songs about children growing up balance specific details with universal truths, using concrete imagery that listeners can connect to their own experiences while expressing feelings that transcend any individual story. Production choices significantly impact emotional effectiveness—overwrought arrangements can make sincere lyrics feel manipulative, while too-sparse production might not provide enough musical interest to carry multiple listens. Vocal performance matters tremendously, with the most affecting versions delivered by artists who sound like they’re sharing genuine emotions rather than performing calculated tear-jerking. The best songs in this category also demonstrate musical craftsmanship beyond their emotional content, featuring strong melodies, thoughtful arrangements, and lyrics that reward repeated listening through layered meanings rather than stating everything explicitly on first encounter.
Can listening to these songs help with parenting emotions?
Music serves as a powerful tool for processing complex emotions around parenthood and watching children develop independence, with many parents reporting that songs about kids growing up help them feel less alone in their experiences of time’s passage. The communal aspect of these songs—knowing that millions of other parents and families have connected with the same lyrics—creates a sense of shared human experience that can be comforting during transitional periods. Additionally, the structured format of songs provides a contained way to experience and release emotions that might otherwise feel overwhelming, with the three-to-four-minute format offering a defined beginning, middle, and end to emotional expression. However, these songs shouldn’t replace direct communication or professional support when needed, but rather complement healthy emotional processing as one tool among many for navigating the challenges and joys of watching children grow.