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The age children stop holding their parent’s hand has been revealed, and it’s sooner than you might think

The age children stop holding their parent’s hand has been revealed, and it’s sooner than you might think

New research reveals the average age children reach bittersweet ‘parenting lasts’, from holding hands to bedtime stories.

Close-up of mother walking hand in hand with her daughter enjoying family bonding time in park at beautiful gold-coloured sunset.

Hollie Bond

Published: September 15, 2026 at 2:38 PM

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The little moments of childhood can disappear almost without us noticing. One day you’re carrying your child everywhere like a little koala, then before you know it, they’re too big to even contemplate lifting up.

Now, new research has revealed the average ages when parents experience some of these bittersweet ‘parenting lasts’, and several happen much earlier than you might expect.

The study, carried out by Obsurvant on behalf of My Nametags, surveyed 1,000 UK parents of children aged 8 to 14 about the moments they remember as their children grew up.

It found that many of the everyday rituals parents treasure, from bedtime stories to being called ‘Mummy’ or ‘Daddy’, tend to disappear at around the age of 7.

The age children stop holding your hand

One of the most emotional findings for parents is the age children typically stop holding their parent’s hand.

According to the research, children are 7 and a half, on average, the last time they hold their parent’s hand.

That comes after another much-loved milestone. Children are typically 5 when they last ask to be carried by their parent.

For many mums and dads, these are the tiny moments that can be easy to take for granted while they’re happening, particularly during the busy school-run years.

When children stop asking for bedtime stories

mum and child reading

The research suggests that the familiar bedtime routine also has a surprisingly short window.

Children are 7, on average, the last time their parents tuck them into bed or read them a bedtime story.

They are also around 7 when they last call their parents ‘mummy’ or ‘daddy’.

While every child develops differently, the findings highlight just how quickly some of those early childhood rituals can change.

And, the magic of Father Christmas doesn’t last for long either

It’s not just physical signs of growing up that parents notice.

The research found children are 8, on average, the last time their parents experience them believing in Father Christmas. Belief in the tooth fairy typically ends a little earlier, at around 7.

For parents, those changes can be particularly poignant because they mark the end of some of the magical traditions that make the early years feel so special.

Most parents don’t remember their child’s ‘lasts’

Despite how emotional these milestones can be, 82% of parents surveyed said they don’t remember all of their child’s ‘parenting lasts’.

Three quarters said it made them sad to think about the little things that no longer happen, such as holding hands, while 73% agreed that ‘parenting lasts’ are one of the saddest parts of children growing up.

There is also a strong feeling among parents that they wish they had made more of these moments while their children were small.

The research found that 81% wished they had more opportunity to cherish the special moments they shared with their child when they were younger.

Parents want more time together

The survey also highlighted how many parents feel they simply don’t have enough time to enjoy family life.

Some 77% said they wished they had more time to spend with their child, while 88% said they would like to create new special moments together before it is too late.

Children aren’t small forever and those special moments can be gone before you know it.

Lars B. Andersen, Managing Director at My Nametags

Meanwhile, 83% admitted they would like to be more present with their child and less distracted by other responsibilities.

Lars B. Andersen, Managing Director at My Nametags, said: “It’s true what they say, children aren’t small forever and those special moments that parents share with their children, such as holding their hand or putting them to bed, can be gone before you know it.

"As parents, we often don’t realise it’s the last time we did something with our children until after it’s happened, and that can be emotional.”

“Finding additional time to spend with our children, amid busy work schedules and meeting other responsibilities, can be tricky, but I know, from experience, just how important it is," Lars added. "Before you know it, children become less eager to spend their time with you, so if we can find ways of saving time, then we can use it to make even more precious memories with our children.”

The findings are a reminder that there may be no way of knowing when a favourite childhood ritual happens for the final time and to make the most of them while you can.

Sometimes, it’s simply the bedtime story you read without realising it will be the last one.

Authors

journalist and two young kids sat on a bench in France for a review of Eurocamp

Hollie BondSenior Digital Journalist

Hollie is Senior Digital Journalist at MadeForMums. She writes articles about pregnancy, parenting, child health and getting pregnant. She has written for a number of national lifestyle magazines and websites over the past 12 years including Family History Monthly, You and Your Wedding and Muddy Stilettos. She has two children aged 5 and 8 and hasn't slept since 2017!