My kids are now 19 and 17 (turning 20 and 18 later this year … eek!) – there’s no doubt that they are growing up. It won’t be long I won’t be able to say that I have two teenagers … I will have two grown children. What the!
There have been definite signs that my kids are growing up, even if they don’t have any plans to leave the nest just yet. Things like:
- When there is a thunder storm during the night, nobody calls out in fright or takes refuge in our bed.
- I go to bed long before the kids do.
- On Christmas morning, WE are the one waking THEM up, because we just can’t wait!
- “Family Outings” are mostly a thing of the past 🙁 .
- The hubster and I have just splashed out on a season pass to Sea World (which just happens to include Movieworld and Wet’n’Wild) – and didn’t have to get one for the kids. First of all, because they wouldn’t be seen dead with us, and secondly, now they are both working they can buy their own! 🙂
So to those who are in the thick of the child-rearing years, make the most of it, because it really does pass in the blink of an eye and believe it or not, you WILL miss it!
Can you think of any signs to show that your kids are growing up?!
Wait till your child moves out of home or gets married you know they are 100% grown up then that they don’t need you as much
(((( Hugs )))) XXXX Kisses XXXX
Miss 17 is home sick with tonsilitis this week, poor little lamb. But I get to enjoy mothering her while she is sick!
They don’t need you to take them places because they have their own car !
You are right – they do grow up in the blink of an eye. K turns 22 this year and is definitely no longer my little baby (even though I call her to tease her when we are at home !!!)
Have the best day !
Me
Yes – Mr 19 has his own car now – but Miss 17 still relies on me or the bus – must admit I’ll be glad once she can drive herself!
Such gorgeous picture collages, Janet, of your lovely grown-up kids. Loved reading your list and had a little giggle when I read that you and your hubby now wake the kids up on Christmas morning instead of the other way around! I know what you mean about those years passing in the blink of an eye. My eldest is only nine, but I still feel that I blinked and suddenly he wasn’t a little boy any more. Sometimes, some of the things he comes out with makes me feel like I’ve got a teenager on my hands already! 🙂
Enjoy the hiatus before grand kids arrive Janet! I’m officially free… sort of. The main sign mine have shown they’re growing up is that they are finally letting me know if they’ll be home for dinner.
My 26 year old is married and now very capable of looking himself and his beautiful wife. But still calls if he needs advice . However my 21 year old moved out last year with great excitement to find it was really difficult and now I find myself playing mother again looking after him and his finances as he is suffering from depression and anxiety . So whilst I thought I was free, I am now finding myself being very involved in his life again.
Such cute photos of your children and seeing them changing through the years was like a journey through my own kids growing up. I think another very good sign that your kids are grown up is when they start asking you for advice on matters, like how to do their own laundry or cook a meal. Even though my own two are 23 and 25, I will always think of them as my little kids!
Now I know what my mum is feeling.
It’s so lovely to see those photo’s of your kids when they were younger Janet! As you know, my kids are 18 and twins 21 so I can absolutely relate to all those signs you listed!
Mine have flown the coop and it’s still truly awful especially the long weekends. You catch up and have those meals, those shopping trips, the BBQ’s. But it’s still taking a lot of adjusting, I don’t recommend it.
Rae xxx
I can’t tell you how happy I am that I stumbled upon your blog. It is such a joy and comfort for me to read. I’m actually really struggling at the moment with my kids growing up and the prospect of the empty nest. I feel so sad all the time that it’s passed so quickly. My eldest is in his final year of high school and I’m really feeling it. It’s nice to read of the positives of them growing up. Thanks for a great read and I will continue now to be a loyal new reader. xx
Hi Deb, I am so happy to be found! It *is* a tricky time. Since I wrote this post Miss 19 has flown the nest – in fact she is in England at the moment with her boyfriend; Mr 21 almost 22 is still home but has gone back to Uni so we are stuck with him for a couple of years yet 😉 . When Miss 19 left home just over a year ago I really struggled. I mean, all my life I’d just wanted to get married and have kids and now I could cross that off my list – what next?! I felt like I’d lost my purpose for a while there! But I’m here to tell you that I have found many positives and am enjoying this next stage of life xxx