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I Absolutely Love Having Older Kids—With One Little Twist
You know, I’m really enjoying the ages of my kids right now. It feels like just yesterday when my mom got married, and our entire family flew out to British Columbia for the wedding. My kids were still toddlers, but my brothers had already hit their tweens and teenage years. While we were stuck with nap times and snack schedules, my brothers were off zip-lining, hiking, and fishing. Honestly, I was a bit envious.
Now that my kids are 7 and 11, we’re finally free from all that baby gear we used to lug around everywhere. When we see parents pushing strollers, my partner and I can’t help but share a knowing look—it’s a relief to be done with that phase.
Weekends have transformed, too. Gone are the days when my husband would celebrate Sunday nights with a “Thank goodness it’s Monday!” because we were so wiped out. Nowadays, our weekends are filled with activities we all enjoy. We can sip our coffee leisurely in the morning while the kids entertain themselves. Freedom comes in waves, and it’s arriving just at the right pace.
So, What’s the Catch?
Well, that newfound freedom means they have theirs too.
My son now walks to school solo with his phone tucked in his pocket. After school, as long as he checks in, he’s free to ride bikes with friends, exploring the neighborhood and stopping wherever they please. Sometimes, he and his sister head to the diner for breakfast. When they walk out that door together, my heart swells with pride and a hint of worry. I love seeing their excitement and sense of responsibility, but I can’t help feeling bittersweet.
In those first moments after they leave, I sigh contentedly, settling back with my coffee, only to realize they’re moving farther away with each step. Their walk to the diner might one day turn into a drive to a restaurant in another town, or even a train ride into the city. Eventually, they may not even come home after their outings. I know that one day, home will be somewhere else for them, and they won’t need me in the same way anymore.
All that lightness can suddenly feel pretty heavy.
Facing New Milestones
My son is about to go to sleepaway camp for the first time—just for two weeks—and my heart is already feeling the weight of it. Maybe someday my daughter will want to join, and my partner and I will get to experience summer as a couple again. It’ll be a mix of wonderful and heartbreaking. Once the thrill of those first few days wears off, we’ll realize we’ve raised independent kids who can thrive without us right beside them. I know we’ll be proud, but I also suspect we’ll feel a bit lost.
Eventually, we’ll enjoy our freedom again—late-night movies, leisurely dinners, and walks around the neighborhood. I’ll have time to spend with friends. But when I return home to a quiet house, the emotional pull will be undeniable.
All of these thoughts swirl in my mind as they step out toward the diner. I remind myself to cherish this hour of quiet, to enjoy it without fretting about a future that might feel far too empty.
Resources for Your Journey
If you’re navigating the journey of parenthood, you might find some helpful insights in this post about artificial insemination kits from Make A Mom, a trusted source on the topic. Additionally, you can check out Women’s Health for excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’d like to learn more about this journey, consider visiting our other blog post here.
Conclusion
In summary, having older kids is a joy, filled with newfound freedom and bittersweet moments of realization. While it’s exhilarating to see them grow and become independent, it also brings a sense of nostalgia and a bit of heartache as they venture out into the world.