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If you have children, I don't have to tell you raising them is DIFFICULT. Boy howdy is it tough at times. And truth be told, the pressure of living life in general no matter the situation does not help one bit.
I am now the mother of three grown sons. Yes, two currently still live at home, but now they are official adults and more responsible for themselves. I must admit that saying "You're an adult. You can figure out your own dinner while your father and I go out." is kinda nice and a bit freeing. Yes I still have duties as their mother, and they still have duties as children living under our roof. But it is easier for the most part.
Now for the not so good part... they are adults and I don't have as much say or influence anymore. I have to trust them to make life decisions. I have to trust that the roots their father and I tried to nourish and bury deep are strong enough to help them through good decisions and bad. That can be a really scary thing for parents. It is hard to let go and let them unfold their wings.
This is the point where I look back and realize all the mistakes I made... the stupid things I did... while raising them. I shouldn't have been so strict about stupid trading cards. I shouldn't have been so wrapped up in my life, I sometimes didn't invest the time to play with them. I wish I had homeschooled, gotten them involved in more social things, worried less about the stupid house and been more spontaneous with silly adventures... I wish.. I wish... I wish...
The wish list will probably go one for a long time... but the truth is, I did what I did. Their father and I did the best we knew how at the time. We learned from our mistakes, asked forgiveness, and tried to fix what we could. We did work at giving our children deep roots knowing that one day they would leave the nest. We prayed (and still do) that they don't limp, walk, or even run.. but that they fly and soar.
One has flown the nest and comes back to visit. One has spread his wings and taken some flights. The youngest is stretching those wings and practicing. I am delighted to see wings. Now if I can just get over the worry of flight lessons. So parents, remember the tough times are worth it, and just do the best you know how because there is no such thing as a perfect parent.
My final thought; I think this must be why Grandparents are so awesome. They have the benefit of hindsight, the understanding of live in the moment, the wisdom parents still have to gain. Plus, having fun with the grandkids and paying back their children for some of the pain and suffering at the same time has to be a bounus, right? LOL. I do look forward to being a grandma some day.
I am now the mother of three grown sons. Yes, two currently still live at home, but now they are official adults and more responsible for themselves. I must admit that saying "You're an adult. You can figure out your own dinner while your father and I go out." is kinda nice and a bit freeing. Yes I still have duties as their mother, and they still have duties as children living under our roof. But it is easier for the most part.
Now for the not so good part... they are adults and I don't have as much say or influence anymore. I have to trust them to make life decisions. I have to trust that the roots their father and I tried to nourish and bury deep are strong enough to help them through good decisions and bad. That can be a really scary thing for parents. It is hard to let go and let them unfold their wings.
This is the point where I look back and realize all the mistakes I made... the stupid things I did... while raising them. I shouldn't have been so strict about stupid trading cards. I shouldn't have been so wrapped up in my life, I sometimes didn't invest the time to play with them. I wish I had homeschooled, gotten them involved in more social things, worried less about the stupid house and been more spontaneous with silly adventures... I wish.. I wish... I wish...
The wish list will probably go one for a long time... but the truth is, I did what I did. Their father and I did the best we knew how at the time. We learned from our mistakes, asked forgiveness, and tried to fix what we could. We did work at giving our children deep roots knowing that one day they would leave the nest. We prayed (and still do) that they don't limp, walk, or even run.. but that they fly and soar.
One has flown the nest and comes back to visit. One has spread his wings and taken some flights. The youngest is stretching those wings and practicing. I am delighted to see wings. Now if I can just get over the worry of flight lessons. So parents, remember the tough times are worth it, and just do the best you know how because there is no such thing as a perfect parent.
My final thought; I think this must be why Grandparents are so awesome. They have the benefit of hindsight, the understanding of live in the moment, the wisdom parents still have to gain. Plus, having fun with the grandkids and paying back their children for some of the pain and suffering at the same time has to be a bounus, right? LOL. I do look forward to being a grandma some day.