Do you miss your kids being young?

[LydiaLunch7]

Lighthearted disclaimer!

My kids are 4 and 2 and they're just so cute and cuddly. I feel like I'm really gonna miss that when they're older.

Although I'm sure I'll enjoy [slightly] more adult conversation and [lots] more sleep!

Does everyone with older kids desperately miss the times when they were young and innocent??

Yes.

I do, sometimes.

Yes

Nooooo you're supposed to reassure me!

Yes. DS has just started secondary and it’s been stressful. I keep thinking back to his little squishy phase with real longing.

Aargh! I knew I shouldn’t have opened this thread! Yes I do miss it and it makes me really sad. And I feel really jealous of you OP.

Yes. But I also enjoy being able to trust them to take care of themselves a bit more - like dress themselves, organise their own toys, even make themselves breakfast if I need a lie in.

Yes I do but!!!! I am enjoying the teen years far more than I ever imagined! They’re amazing 😍

Sorry op, but the best times are when your dc are little - baby to 4 best age, primary age is still lovely but the innocence goes in about year 4.
Of course I still love my kids now they’re all grown up, but I’d give anything to turn the clock back.
Enjoy this very special time

I have a 4 and 2 year old and am just starting to miss having a baby around. I darent tell my husband though as he is the broodiest man I’ve ever met and I’ll be pregnant within a week.

In my more melancholic moments I think parenthood is really just a constant state of grieving. As much as you love your kids today, you're mourning the little people they used to be and who are gone forever. Sniff.

Yes sometimes
I miss Christmas is great when they are young it's the best time it's not the same now grown up.
Taking cute pictures as they get older no longer want picture unless it's a selfie . Holidays too
Evenings you can get them to bed early ,
On the plus when they get older have more time to yourself .

Mine are 6 and 3 and already I miss them being young. I miss the days when they were both pre school and we could spend time together and go wherever we wanted (on my days off)

Ahhhh OP I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently- DS is nearly 2, and I said to DH yesterday that I’m fairly certain I’ll look back on him being this age as the best time in my life. I guess at least we’re aware this might be the case, so we’re treasuring it whilst it lasts?

Yes, Christmas & holidays.
The excitement was just so wonderful.

Noooo

Yes sometimes I feel a bit wistful. However, life gets easier and less exhausting as they get older...more lie ins, can go to more places with them etc...the worry increases though

Babyhood was brilliant. Toddlerhood was (mainly) fantastic. Primary years were fab. Secondary years had their moments, but on the whole I enjoyed them. DD is now 18 and just starting her first serious relationship. I'm loving the new adult relationship that she and I have.

I guess what I'm saying is that yes, I miss her being little, but every other stage of her life so far has been pleasurable too. Just enjoy it all!

Nope.

Mine are still primary age 6&5, I love this age though, they are funny and full of personality. I don’t miss the baby or can’t take your eye off them for a second toddler phase. Maybe I will feel differently when they are older again. You still have lots of lovely years ahead though op!

No. I found this stage the most stressful- tantrums, no sleep, not being able to leave the house without 9 million baby thingas, not being able to even take a shit qithout worrying what's going on downstairs.

Yes, I miss bits of it but older children are much easier, on the whole

I just remember parts of my own childhood, like when I was a teenager going on holiday with my family, and all us kids were old enough to take care of ourselves all day, reading books by the pool, swimmimg or whatever, then all sitting together all evening eating barbecue and playing cards and laughing, having fun.

That must be great, right? Part of me can't wait for those moments with my kids!

Is it good enough to make up for the fact that they will go to bed without a cuddle?

No. I found this stage the most stressful- tantrums, no sleep, not being able to leave the house without 9 million baby thingas, not being able to even take a shit qithout worrying what's going on downstairs

Yeah I'm definitely looking forward to all that being over. But when DS2 comes running out to see me when I get home and jumps into my arms... that's gonna be hard to leave behind!

I must be a weirdo but I love my teens. Wouldn't go back to the young days if you paid me. My teens make me laugh every day.

Mine are 9 and 14 and still like a cuddle. I can't catch them if they jump in my arms, though, but you won't be forced to carry them home plus their bike because they've changed their mind !