I have 2 kids....well...they aren't kids anymore, actually today is my "baby's' 20th birthday.
Wow.
Looking back, everything seems like it happened so fast, but there were times when I couldn't wait for them to grow up and out of certain stages of their lives: diapers, learning the word "No", asking the question "why", puberty and adolescence, defying authority, finding their voices, slaves to fashion, the great debates etc.
It just whizzes by...it really does.
Someone asked me once: "Don't you wish they were still little and you could still cuddle with them?"
I will admit, that I do get nostalgic for it at times, but no, I don't want to go back to that time...I am glad they are all grown up now. It's the beauty of life...experiencing these different phases and watching how they develop and handle these on their own now.
Since my son moved to Chicago to go to school out there, it's amazing how he's learn to survive on his own. He throws in the occasional, "I was down to my last $2 and have been eating granola bars and mac and cheese for 5 days in a row.", but he has only asked me for money on occasion. The Mom in me wants to just give him money to help him out, but the parent in me says - He's OK. This is a lesson; a problem he needs to work out. It's part of being an adult.
My daughter...she may need a little more "tough love" in this department. She's going to school locally and is still living at home. Mom is still an ATM to her at times and perhaps since she is "the baby" I tend to give in more to her. I have to start saying No and letting her get used to it. I think we will both have a hard time with it!
M is not their parent, but she has been a part of their lives for nearly 11 years now. She has never really tried to parent them, but my children directly affect our lives and she has done well to let me know if there is something going on that she is uncomfortable with. My kids love and respect her and I think that is what you ultimately hope for. We are a family.
Anyway - Happy Birthday to my "baby" girl.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Kids
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3 comments:
We all lived on raman noodles in school and survived.
Those "lean" years are what build character! : )
I could have written this with some exceptions. My son moved out 4 months ago. He lived at home while he was in school-but otherwise was pretty self-sufficient. Since moving, has only asked me for a very small amount once.
Daughter is 22, at home, attending college on-line. She too, view(ed) me as an ATM..we have begun that phase of no that you speak of--and she is getting used to it.
Unlike you though, mine have not had anyone else in that parenting role and now that there is someone in my life, the dynamics are becoming interesting, to say the least.
Happy B-day to baby girl.
Happy Birthday to your daughter as well Only! I just read your post. Anyone who has raised kids on their own deserve a special place of honor in my book. It's not easy. I wish you and your new special someone much love and happiness!
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