- You still reward your 4th grader with a high-five and a sticker for using the potty, insisting that experts agree there’s no such thing as too much encouragement.
- You feel a lump in your throat when you hear the whiny voice of a certain cartoon character, reminding you of days gone by.
- You proudly display your son’s middle school project on the refrigerator.
- You steer clear of Gymboree, especially on Gymbuck Tuesdays, because looking at those adorable outfits is just too painful.
- You still pack snacks in little baggies, even if it’s just a quick trip out with your partner.
- You tell yourself that your old diaper bag makes for a charming, trendy purse.
- You can’t resist playing Finding Nemo or The Little Mermaid on long car rides, because who says adventure has an age limit?
- You find yourself swaying gently while holding your golden retriever, as if it were a baby.
- You still fret about choking hazards and have no qualms about cutting your daughter’s grapes into quarters, even at her middle school dance.
- You get emotional at the thought of a local car seat check, and even after seven years without using one, you contemplate stopping by just for nostalgia’s sake.
- You convince yourself that HGTV designers are featuring plastic Spider-Man and Elmo dishes, so you hold onto yours just in case.
- When your tweens have friends over, you still refer to it as a “playdate.”
- Your pantry is stocked with Goldfish crackers and fruit snacks, right alongside Doritos and Powerade.
- You keep a few baby blankets in the linen closet, just in case your 16-year-old needs one for a chilly thigh.
- You tell your 6th grader that you don’t expect him to sit on Santa’s lap, but hey, how about a photo with him?
- You ask for two kids’ menus at restaurants, even if your kids just polished off an entire pizza for breakfast.
- You might still have a Leap Frog toy lying around, just in case preschool-aged friends pop over for a visit.
- You find yourself asking a group of tweens if anyone needs to use the restroom before heading out, despite their iPhones in hand.
- Dr. Seuss books share shelf space with titles like Divergent and The Hunger Games in your teenager’s room.
- You try to persuade your family that the next vacation should be to “The Land of Make Believe.”
- You’ve recently reminded your son’s high school friends to use their “inside voices.”
- You suggest a fun family outing and find it hard to explain why you ended up at a petting zoo.
- You still tell your eighth grader to “Look both ways” before crossing the street, and then you attempt to hold his hand as you go.
- You might have a four-pack of crayons stashed away in your purse, even though you’re visiting colleges with your kids this summer.
If you’re navigating the bittersweet journey of watching your kids grow up, you’re not alone. For more insights on parenting and family life, check out our other blog post at Home Insemination Kit. And if you’re looking for guidance on home insemination, Make a Mom is a great resource. For comprehensive information on pregnancy, NHS offers excellent advice.
In summary, if you find yourself holding on to remnants of your children’s younger years while they grow, it may be a sign that you’re struggling with their rapid maturation. The journey of parenting often comes with mixed emotions, and it’s okay to feel nostalgic about those cherished moments.