What to Anticipate When You’re Done Anticipating

home insemination Kit

Updated: Aug. 29, 2017

Originally Published: Sep. 26, 2016

As a child, I was enamored with baby dolls. I would cradle them, swaddle them, and dress them up in an endless array of outfits. I even had that one ridiculous doll you could feed water to, and then—surprise!—it would come out the other end. Apparently, diaper changes were supposed to be a blast. I always thought that the baby stage would be the highlight of parenting, filled with precious outfits, tiny shoes, and those heart-melting baby grins. That was my vision of motherhood.

Now that my kids are older, I’ve come to realize a different, yet magical reality. I feed my kids and don’t have to deal with any messy aftermath. I get to enjoy their unique personalities and humor as they become real little humans with their own ideas. And when someone asks if I’m planning to have another baby, my ovaries practically throw a revolt against my uterus!

Here are some delightful things to expect when you’re in this sweet phase of parenting and have no desire for more babies:

1. Countertops Only
   Forget about wiping down tiny faces or butts—now it’s just my countertops that need cleaning.
2. Fewer Safety Worries
   No more fretting over electrical outlets, staircases, or whether my toddler will try to cook on the stove or swallow a marble. My bigger kids remember to look both ways before crossing the street, which is a relief—until they start driving.
3. Self-Dressing
   I can simply say, “Put on your shoes,” and in a few hours, it’ll actually get done.
4. Independent Play
   They can occupy themselves for more than just a quick bathroom break. I no longer have to monitor if they are using markers for their artwork or putting lotion in their hair.
5. Goodbye Car Seats
   This might seem trivial, but after buckling kids into car seats five times a day for a decade (that’s over 18,000 buckles!), I feel a weight off my shoulders.
6. Help Around the House
   Kids can now pitch in by carrying groceries, cleaning toilets, or folding laundry. I told my son that I started doing dishes at 10, and since he’s now 10, I’m thinking of throwing myself a retirement party from dish duty.
7. Movies Without ‘Princess’ in the Title
   We can now enjoy films that don’t center around fairy tales and play games that don’t include learning the ABCs. We also go out to eat, and everyone sits and eats without chaos.
8. Growing Independence
   My fourth grader can now walk to and from the bus stop alone and feels like the coolest kid on the block. He’s ready for more responsibility, and I’m more than happy to oblige.
9. Milder Emotions
   While we still have our share of emotional moments, my older kids aren’t throwing tantrums in the grocery store or being physically removed from places because they didn’t get a snack.
10. Real Conversations
    It’s a joy to connect with my kids now that they can express their thoughts and feelings in full sentences. They can articulate their struggles and excitement, even if their jokes are still cringe-worthy.

While I certainly cherished the baby and toddler years, I must admit that this stage with older kids has become my favorite so far. Now, if we could just address those eye rolls and their aversion to showers, life would be perfect.

For more insights into parenting, check out this page on home insemination. If you’re curious about artificial insemination, Make a Mom is a great resource. Additionally, Mount Sinai offers excellent information on fertility and pregnancy.

Summary:

Parenting older children brings a unique set of joys and freedoms that make the experience rewarding. From less worry about safety to the ability to have more meaningful conversations, this stage of parenting offers independence, humor, and a break from the physically demanding baby years.