Where did the years go? One day your son is tugging at your sleeve asking for “just one more toy,” and the next he’s taller than you, off living his own life. If you’ve ever felt that bittersweet mix of pride and longing for the little boy he used to be, this poem is for you.
To My Son I Sometimes Wish by Larry Howland is part of our ongoing series of poems for parents — the kind of poem that puts words to feelings you didn’t know how to say out loud. Grab a tissue before you start; this one gets you every time.
To My Son I Sometimes Wish
I sometimes wish you were still small
Not yet so big and strong and tall
For when I think of yesterday
I close my eyes and see you play
I often miss that little boy
Who pestered me to buy a toy
Who filled my days with pure delight
from early morn to late at night
We watch our children change and grow
As seasons come then quickly go
but our God has a perfect plan
To shape a boy into a man.
Today my son I’m proud of you
For all the thoughtful things you do
I’ll love you till my days are done
And I’m so grateful you’re my son
~ Larry Howland
Why This Poem Resonates With Parents
There’s something universal about watching your child grow up. The stages pass so quickly — the toddler years, the school runs, the teenage independence — and it’s natural to feel a pang of nostalgia even as you feel proud of who they’re becoming. Larry Howland captures that exact feeling: missing the small boy while celebrating the man he’s grown into.
If this poem struck a chord, you’re not alone. Poems like this one are often shared between parents, read aloud at family milestones, or simply kept somewhere close as a quiet reminder of how far your child has come.
FAQ
Who wrote “To My Son I Sometimes Wish”?
The poem was written by Larry Howland, and it’s one of many heartfelt poems for parents that capture the mixed emotions of watching children grow up.
Can I share this poem with others?
Yes — poems like this are often shared with family members, read at birthdays or graduations, or simply passed along to another parent who might need to hear it.
Is this poem only for parents of sons?
While it’s written specifically about a son, many of the emotions — pride, nostalgia, and love as your child grows — will feel familiar to any parent, regardless of whether you have a son or a daughter.
You Might Also Enjoy
If this poem moved you, you’ll likely love these too:
- The Last Time Poem — a gentle reminder to cherish every “last time” moment with your children
- I Loved You From The Very Start — a beautiful poem for parents about unconditional love from day one
Save This for Later
Loved this poem? Bookmark this page or share it with another parent who needs a good cry today. You can also browse our full collection of poems for parents for more heartfelt reads to enjoy whenever you need them.
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