Maybe Growing Up Isn’t So Bad
Yesterday I found a box of old pictures out in the garage and looking through them brought back such happy memories and made me smile. It also made me the teensiest bit sad because I miss my cute “little” kids. Oh, how precious they were and what fun we had – the giggling and the snuggling and the playing. It doesn’t hurt that I was also one of their favorite people back in the day. Then they had to grow up and those apron strings they used to hold onto so tightly have stretched longer and longer and their grip has loosened. Almost sounds like a bad thing.
Except for they were cracking me up tonight. I mean really making me laugh. And it just reminded me (’cause I know this but I forget a lot) that while sometimes teenagers can be exasperating, they can also be a ton of fun. I may not get the snuggling (though I still get a lot of hugs) and playing is not quite the same, there’s still a lot of giggling. So I’m not the teensiest bit sad anymore.
I agree. I spend an inordinate amount of time laughing with my kids. And although they were the most adorable little kids, I love this phase.
I like this – I think that so many times as parents we hear about how horrible the teen years are and we can set ourselves up for a miserable time.I don't think it has to be that way.I may change my mind when I get to have teenagers.
Oh, how I'm beginning to relate! Each stage does have its ups and downs, doesn't it? Like, I soooo lurve (and miss) a 7:30 bedtime, but I also lurve watching my dtr sing solos or try something new. And I love that even though some of our conversations aren't comfortable, both my kids talk with me. And does it get any better than to have your now taller than you son give shoulder rubs? I think not. Probably why he's still alive. 😉
I get misty-eyed about my kids as babies, too. The good thing, no, the GREAT thing is that they are wonderful at all ages! I'm enjoying my kids as adults more than I can express. It is especially wonderful to have my daughter here these past few days to help me in recovering from the surgery. What a treasure she has grown to be. :') I'm so proud and so blessed! So are you, and so will you be for a long time to come, Jen. 🙂
When Jonathon was little, he came to me and said,"Mama, what do you want to be when you grow up?"; to which I replied, "a grandma". When Jordan was born, I could finally say I had grown up, and believe me the wait was WELL worth it! Yes, this stage of the kids life is great, but speaking as a grandma, the best is yet to come. Enjoy them now and enjoy then with each new stage of life.
So far I have really loved every stage of my kids ages. I love that my oldest (12 years old) can have meaningful conversations with me and can be so intelligent about things. I also love my youngest (6) and the adorable things he says/does because he is so little. I just wish we had the ability to rewind to some moments and re live them whenever we want to though.