When Did I Become The Mom to Older Kids?

1/21/2014

When did I become the mom to older kids? I guess to some, my children are still young. They are only 7 and 9. But I've entered this new world of parenting. I don't have babies and I don't plan to have anymore.

I've become that lady who likes babies, but I'm not really going to offer to hold yours for you. Oh, and I probably won't feel the need to change the diaper if I am in fact holding the baby. Okay, wait! It isn't that I dislike babies. I adore them. I have nieces and nephews and I love playing with them, holding them, and spoiling the hell out of them. It's just, I don't have that motherly desire anymore to go ga-ga over babies.

Over the holidays, we had a house full. Lots of little ones running around. I didn't realize before this holiday how much things have changed. The bottles, the diapers, the needing mommy for everything, and pleading with them to please eat and not throw it to the dog. Mine are older...they don't need me for so much. Though my youngest still tries to feed her food to the dog.

Wait...when did this happen? When the heck did my kids get older and become the "older" kids?

GIFSoup

Over the Christmas holidays while they were home, they fed themselves breakfast and lunch. Got snacks and drinks when they needed them, and for the most part, we all did our own thing. When the holidays were over, I was a little sad for them to go back to school. I truly enjoyed my time with them. I like where we are at in this mother/child relationship.

It's easy.

There, I said it. The truth to it all. This is easy! This is fun! I get to spend more time joking with them, going out without having to chase them across wal-mart, then try to remember where I ditched the cart. No temper tantrums when I don't get them candy in the check out aisle. Okay, that was a lie. Even my 9 year old will put on the pouty face.

Though, I do wonder. Is it fun and easy now with the teenage years looming ahead. Agh! Those years scare the absolute crap out of me. The independence they are going to want. Driving, boyfriends, girlfriends, sleep overs. Oh, and the attitude. The "I hate you!" that I know is coming that will crush me.

I'm going to enjoy these few years as the mom to the "older kids." Because the next phase is the mom to "the teenagers."

Where the heck is that pause button?

Yikes, and after the teenage years...they move out. Oh dear...

-Lacey

I just released a quirky, fun, and steamy romance titled Arranged Love!

2 Comments

1/21/2014 03:03:38 am

I have to agree. I held a little baby (3 month old) when he came to visit for work and while it was nice to hold a baby, I was like- Thank goodness I am done with this. No more middle of the night feeds. Very few wakings (usually only when my preschooler is ill). No diaper bags, no fifty seven changes of clothes for both of us. I can put the breakables out again, if I had any that survived the baby-hood. I can have sheer curtains without worry of said preschooler trying to climb them. No infant car seats to lug from car to car, or even toddler car seats. Just that one little belt position booster that the monster-sized preschooler has nearly out grown. They're all at an age they can boot the computer up, check their email/games, and entertain themselves with legos, cars, and dolls. I still get the "Come see", but that's okay. I love them for that.

And I don't feel guilty that I'm done. I don't feel remorse that I will never have another baby. I feel complete.

Lacey

1/21/2014 03:32:46 am

That's awesome you feel that way! :) Parenting is rewarding at each age.