Embracing My Kids’ Growth: Is It Wrong to Celebrate?

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Almost every day, I find myself pondering, “Am I the only one who feels this way?” And I quickly assure myself, “Not at all, my dear. But honestly, who cares if I am?” Lately, I’ve been questioning why I don’t share the same sentiments as so many others around me. I scroll through countless photos tagged with captions like, “I miss my little ones!” or “Time, please slow down!” or “If only I could turn back time!” While I enjoy a good trip down memory lane, my immediate thought tends to be, “How far back are we talking here?”

Sure, I cherish the memories of my kids as babies, but I have zero desire to relive those days. Do you want to revisit those sleepless nights, anxiously watching your newborn daughter’s tiny chest rise and fall just to make sure she’s breathing? No thanks, I much prefer getting my beauty sleep. And the times my son cried for no reason, and I couldn’t calm him down? Count me out!

I vividly recall one particularly exhausting day when my son was about four months old. After what felt like an eternity of feeding, crying, and little sleep, I decided to take him to the pediatric after-hours clinic. With my three-year-old in tow and a crisp hundred-dollar bill my mom had left me, I was ready to bribe someone just to speed up the process. So, do I want to go back to that chaos? Definitely not.

I genuinely relish watching my kids grow up—what’s wrong with that? I love seeing the amazing individuals they are becoming. I adore their inquisitive minds and the thoughtful questions they ask. I cherish their developing personalities and how their tastes sometimes clash with mine.

I appreciate that my son can express when the medicine burns or that he feels nauseous. And my daughter’s ability to aim perfectly for the toilet during those less-than-glamorous moments? That’s impressive! I love that they can articulate their ailments to the doctor. Plus, karaoke nights are way more fun now!

I’m genuinely looking forward to my daughter’s third-grade adventures. When my son started pre-K, I felt nothing but joy for him; his enthusiasm was contagious! I see their excitement for the future, and I can’t help but join them on this journey. Watching them grow, flourish, and hit significant milestones doesn’t make me sad; it makes me proud.

The truth is, this is their life—not mine. I can’t hold on too tightly to something that isn’t mine to keep. I came across a quote that resonated with me: “To raise a child who is comfortable enough to leave you means you’ve done your job. They are not ours to keep, but to teach how to soar on their own.” This is a lovely sentiment, and while I appreciate it, I also adore Elizabeth Taylor’s take: “I’ve never thought of my jewelry as trophies. I’m here to take care of them and love them, for we are only temporary custodians of beauty.”

Sure, the thought of my kids heading off to college fills me with sadness, but I wouldn’t dream of stifling their adventurous spirits. I must admit, though, every night, I still gently shake them to hear their little breaths—old habits die hard.

As much as it terrifies me, I recognize that I am merely their temporary guardian, and my job is to prepare them to spread their wings. They are two of the brightest gems in my life—brilliant and unique, and it’s my duty to nurture them until they’re ready to shine on their own.

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Summary

In this reflective piece, the author embraces the growth of her children, expressing joy for their development rather than nostalgia for their baby years. While acknowledging the bittersweet nature of parenting, she emphasizes the importance of preparing her kids for their futures, celebrating their individuality and milestones along the way.