It’s the typical story of the “grass is always greener on the other side.” I was at my friend’s house last weekend and while they were enjoying the time playing with our babies, we were enjoying conversation with their teenagers. It was interesting to see what we are going thru in our lives as parents of babies and what they’re going through with their teens.
We are learning how to teach our son to share his toys with his sister while they are learning how to set boundaries with dating and curfews. At first I was getting jealous of some of their freedoms now that they have teens. My husband and I aren’t able to enjoy the adults only weekend getaway that they are able to attend because their kids don’t need a babysitter. On the flip side of the coin, we don’t have to monitor our kids on the internet or what they are texting their friends yet.
It’s one of those many moments where I’m reminded to sit back and soak in the moments we are experiencing with our children each day. No matter what phase of parenting you are in, there will always be something for you to enjoy with your kids and something you will be worrying over with your kids.
Enjoy every stepping stone and take lots of photos and videos! I was just re watching some videos of our son from just a year ago and was mad at myself that I didn’t remember all the details in the video until I watched it again. The fact he was wearing the cutest blue bathrobe on the day he first walked towards me. The video reminded me of that. Now I have to remember to take more photos and videos of our daughter!
So on those days where our son is pushing his sister or taking every toy she is trying to play with, or those fun adult outings or fancy restaurants we can’t go to right now, I have to remember that one day I will miss even these moments.
Being honest, what is/was your favorite year(s) of being a parent?