![]() ![]() Take a look in that rearview mirror a little more often! Are you just beginning or moving into a parent consultant role? Parents, what are you seeing in your parenting rearview mirror? Where are you on your parenting journey? Stop. Yep, my husband, the man who worked hard to provide for this wonderful journey that continues on. Most of all I will take advantage of the time with my husband now that the kids have “got this” adulting thing. I will be the refuge from the harsh adult world as they meet up at my house “moms house” for Sunday dinners or holidays. I will look lovingly on those furloughed brows that are worried about their kids (my grandkids). I will stop and admire the difference they are making in the world. I will stop and raise a toast to the happy hour meet up with these adult kids. I’ll be ready by not just giving my help, but by again soaking in every moment with them. They may one day need parenting advice, babysitting or help with a budgeting issue. The kids…they’ve “got this” grown-up thing, but they may still have questions now and then. The back seat crew belting out “Celebrate good times!” by Kool and the Gang as we headed out for each vacation. ![]() The grossed-out groans as they removed the pumpkin guts while carving jack-o-lanterns on Halloween. The kids with wide-eyes, anticipating their first rollercoaster ride with me. While I do have thousands of pictures and family videos documenting this journey, the best film reels are the ones I play in my memories. I loved the whole glitter, sprinkles and Lego mess. I loved picking out the picture books at the library! I loved taking them to the zoo, museums, and parks. I loved every single moment with these four kids. As it goes, these moments in parenting often hit us when we least expect them. In my mind, I assumed that the 21st birthday would be my “box checked”, sentimental kind of moment. I didn’t expect to feel that sentimental catch in my throat until next year as he, my youngest, will turn 21. I was excited for them to have adventures and honestly, I wasn’t as outnumbered in their absence.Īs I glanced in that mirror at the man in the reflection, I realized that just as was getting into my grove as a mom…just as parenting was becoming a well-oiled machine… I have graduated. I never was the tearful mom when the kids went to kindergarten or left for camp. It often felt like walking in quicksand during those hard stages that all kids go through. ![]() Sleep was lost over sick kids, prom nights and persistent worries. I escorted my disruptive children out of churches, restaurants, and stores. I kept track of homework, carpools and over 84 socks a week. I managed routines, illnesses and those tough talks we all hate to have. It took me 28 years to learn how to take care of my four kids. My youngest child is a grown man.Īs I shut the car door and headed into the restaurant, it dawned on me that my role as a mom is officially different. It was one of those “time stands still” kind of moments. As we were getting out of the car for his birthday dinner, I caught a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror with his reflection on the car. ![]()
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