Your children are all grown up....

[Ihatemyroad]

Every time I see this close family member they always say the same thing to me about my three children. “Oh we were looking at photos/videos and they were so little then, they’re so grown up now it’s so sad”. And I always come away feeling a mixture of sad that they’re ‘grown up’ whilst at the same time thinking ‘they’re not!’

If someone said this to you how old would you expect the children they’re referring to to be?

Over 18 at the minimum

Or moved out

I love seeing my children grow up!
My middle dd passed her driving test today.
Growing up is awesome. As is helping them through it!

Teens

13 I’d say. Under that is still cute.

It’s totally unnecessary, though, whatever age.

About 12

Why would it be sad they grew up anyway? That's what they're meant to do!

But maybe mid teens onwards, as I assume this is said by someone who likes 'cute', small children

Definitely teens

I'd imagine well in to teenage years. I'd also be thinking oh they must be feeling old because of it!

And I hope you reply with ‘ I love the age they are, they are fabulous’ (even if they are a grunting teen).

At least teens.
I say this about Dd and she's 21 abs has lived independently for 3 years.

I bet they're 2 or something!

Some people say this kind of thing as soon as the children aren't squidgy any more 😂🤪 as in once they're no longer babies and toddlers! These people are a bit peculiar but its fairly common - especially for relatives who don't actually really like children and teens or want to know your kids as individuals, but just like generic babies especially ones they're allowed to cuddle...

It's the same people who like puppies and kittens not dogs and cats...

8/9

Surely sadder if they didn’t grow up!

Thank you so much everyone. Like most of you I would’ve said early/mid teens or older.

My children are 7.....5.....and 3!

They’re still little in my eyes! My youngest is only 3!!

Every time this is said to me it makes me feel sad although I’m not sure why. I know my children are still little. But it feels like they feel their ‘appeal’ is waning because in their eyes they’re not little anymore. I think little to them is a cute baby/toddler.

Ihatemyroad it's because they're their own people with obvious personalities by 3, not generic unformed squidge.

People who say that it's sad are telling you that they like generic unformed squidge better than fascinating, hilarious, astounding little personalities.

It just changes what you enjoy doing with them - when they were little it was the park, fairs, and zoos then when older football, rugby and cricket matches as well as theme parks.

Now we go to pubs and restaurants as well as the occasional sports fixture.

Never been sad about them growing up as there have been different things to enjoy at each stage - hopefully at some stage I will be a grandparent