My Children Don’t Need Me In That Way Anymore
My children are not babies anymore. They are not toddlers. They are not first graders.
Oh no, we are so past that.
To say that they are “growing” is such a cliche. Yet, that is the only word that I can grasp right now to describe this incredible stage of development they are in.
Their needs are changing. They don’t need me in that way anymore.
They don’t need me in the room to protect them from choking hazards. They don’t need me to pour them a drink or make them a snack. They can even get dressed by themselves and make their own beds. (That being said, brushing their teeth is still a stretch. With males it is best to visually verify that this task has been accomplished or ewww… )
What they seem to need now is a little room and a little space to discover. They need me to interact with them and appreciate them and help them to sort their emotions and reasoning out. They need me to spend time talking and dreaming with them. They need me to admire their Lego model and investigate their hypothesis. They need me to listen to them read their Goosebumps books and sing along to their favorite Big Time Rush and Selena Gomez songs. They need me to corroborate that yes, in fact, Phineas and Ferb is one of the best shows ever made for television viewing.
In doing all of these things I am able to witness their evolution.
Like all stages in their lives so far, there are incredible moments that take my breath away. More subtle than the “oh-my-gosh-did-you-see-him-walk!?” phase. These moments are windows into their future selves. The hint of sarcastic humor. The clear indication of a future passion. I am addicted to these moments.
Yes, it is true that my kids don’t need me in that way anymore. Surprisingly, I don’t even care. Whatever way they need me is fine by me.
Twitter: kevinbruce
says:
Our little boy just turned 4 this week. We’re getting the first glimmers of what you’re talking about here. It’s a little sad, but in many ways, exciting. I love to see the little guy learn and grow. I love to see his independence come out (except when he tantrums and we want to wring his little.. ahem
.
Kevin recently posted..This Month’s Frederick Web Technology Meetup
Twitter: SLDMorgan
says:
I got a little teary reading this as I’m in the throes of toddlerhood. When my son is older, I’ll have to remember this post.
Love the photo!
Shannon recently posted..Project Mom Casting Call
Twitter: aslackermom
says:
I think its so funny to see the oldest sitting on the deck with his friends talking about stuff and drinking their lemon aid. They look just like little adults. It makes me sad to know that soon my youngest will be sitting out there with his friends instead of sitting with me talking about nonsense.
Rebecca recently posted..Weekends over
Twitter: Whymommy
says:
What a peek into the future for those of us with littles — sounds great! I love the insights about the subtle changes –
Susan
I absolutely love this post. My guys are 15, 13, 12. I get it. Oh, boy, do I get it. I see big fat glimpses into the men they are growing to be. And it’s wonderful.
Wendy recently posted..Sisters
Jennie,
this is cool. thanks for the reminder of what i should be doing with my oldest when i am not wrapped up in what my youngest NEEDS.
angie
Twitter: metrodcmom
says:
So very true. My oldest is about that same age and it always amazes me how far we’ve come.
That said, I still have to remind myself sometimes to appreciate the noise level as some day he won’t want to talk to me.
Mom2shoo recently posted..I survived!
Twitter: MyPixieBlog
says:
I just love this post
I don’t have children of my own, but when I read things like this, I can’t wait for what lies ahead.
It sounds as though you really appreciate each special landmark, which I think says a lot about the kind of mother you are to your children
Enjoy every moment.
Charlotte recently posted..will it go round in circles
Twitter: gigi927
says:
My kids are 7 and 5, and we’re just now getting those glimpses of “big kid” stuff that I agree, are equally breathtaking as baby milestones but much more subtle. Personally, I’ll take this stage ANY day!! I love seeing their personalities start to emerge.
gigi recently posted..My Blogging Arch-Nemesis
Twitter: miamimargarita
says:
Beautifully said! My son turns 9 tomorrow and I told him that I’ll give him one more year off- and then he has to start holding my hand in the parking lot again. Waaaaa!