6 Things I Need to Stop Doing Now That My Kids Are Older (And 1 Thing I Can’t)

For more than a decade, my life revolved around diapers, bottles, and bedtime stories. I was either nursing or pregnant, often with a little one in my arms or at my breast. I spent years wiping noses, reading tales of adventure, banishing imaginary monsters, and meticulously slicing grapes into halves while removing crusts from sandwiches.

And then, just like that, my kids grew up.

Honestly, I can’t pinpoint when it happened. I don’t remember the last time I nursed a baby or danced with joy after changing my final diaper. I don’t recall the relief of leaving the store with extra cash because I no longer had to buy diapers.

Now, every shoe in my home either fits me or is way too big. My bras are flap-free, and my husband and I wake up each day without the pitter-patter of little feet in our bed.

I guess the smoothness of this transition means I’ve adapted well to life without toddlers. I miss nibbling those tiny toes, but I love slipping on my daughters’ shoes. I miss rocking my babies to sleep, but I enjoy late-night binge-watching sessions of my favorite shows. I long for sticky kisses and jelly-faced grins, but I think I’m managing just fine. Still, there are a few habits I should drop now that my kids are older:

1. Finishing Their Leftovers

In the past, grabbing bites off my kids’ plates was a survival tactic, especially when lunch was a race against the clock. But now, eating their remnants feels not only unnecessary but also a bit gross when I think about it.

2. Wearing Old Pajamas

Back when I was nursing through the night and dealing with messy toddlers, it made sense to lounge around in tattered yoga pants and a vintage T-shirt. But those days are behind me. No more leaks, no more spit-up. I’m sure my husband would appreciate it if I upgraded my sleepwear.

3. Leaving Space in Bed

For years, our bed was often shared with one or two tiny guests. Even after our youngest moved out, we still left space for them. But now that it’s just us, we should really claim the entire bed, though I’m beginning to think our snuggles are kind of nice.

4. Listening to Kid Tunes in the Car

Our firstborn was soothed by the sounds of Oklahoma, and subsequent kiddos had their own playlists of catchy kids’ songs. Now, I don’t have to endure that anymore. If I flip to NPR, I doubt anyone will throw a fit—at least they better not if they want another ride to the mall.

5. Concealing Vegetables

For years, I’ve been stealthily blending spinach into pasta sauce and hiding veggies in smoothies. News flash, kids! It’s not “seasoning”—it’s spinach! They’re old enough to know now.

6. Throwing in the Towel Too Quickly

I often find myself exasperated when my kids struggle with simple tasks, like loading the dishwasher. I’ll just sigh and say, “Forget it, I’ll handle it.” But they’re not toddlers anymore; they can manage these chores themselves if I just step back and let them.

Overall, I’ve transitioned well to life with older kids, but there’s one thing I just can’t stop doing: being completely enchanted by my children.

I used to gaze at my sleeping babies, filled with love and wonder, longing to give them everything good in the world. Their giggles would make me close my eyes and savor those moments. Their little bodies would take my breath away.

Turns out, even now, they still do.

They might not smell like baby soap anymore, and their faces don’t light up as much when I walk into the room, but they’re still mesmerizing. I thought they would grow out of being adorable, but I was wrong. I still find myself wanting to scoop them up and shower them with affection. Most days, I just manage to hold back.

While I knew I would miss having little ones around, I didn’t realize that having older kids could be just as magical. Yes, there are things I need to leave behind now that my kids are older, but my admiration for them isn’t one of them.

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Summary

As my children grow, I find myself needing to drop old habits but remain captivated by them. From finishing their leftovers to concealing veggies, it’s time to adjust my routine. While I miss the baby stage, the magic of having older kids is just as delightful.