Do you struggle with your DC growing up?

[SadWench]

I'm feeling quite sad tonight but also feel quite silly and like I need to pull myself together.

DH and I have an amazing DD who is 5. She is just growing up so quickly and I can't cope with it! When she was younger I wished the time away as found things so difficult and now can't believe I felt like that. I hate the feeling of each year passing and it all seems to be happening so quickly- school terms coming to an end, Christmasses and birthdays flying past.

For a while I was so certain I was one and done but for the past year I have wanted another child but due to fertility reasons that's looking highly unlikely.

I need to get a grip and enjoy what I've got, please someone who has felt the same tell me how?

I have a bit of an irrational fear of her being 7/8/9 because at the moment she's on the cusp of being a young child and im clinging into that phase, not ready to move onto the next.

Wait while she's 16! Then 22!

I know what you mean, I’ve had moments of sadness looking back at my daughter’s pics, missing the baby times and seeing how she’s grown, she’s only 3!

I’ve had to remind myself that growing up is just part of life and I have to enjoy the stage she’s currently at xx

I’m exactly the same. Keep reminding myself to enjoy them.
I found the baby and toddler years a complete slog, but from 3 years onwards they are such a delight. And 4 & 5 are the best ages.
I have a big age gap and am feeling particularly nostalgic for the magic of our care free pottering days before they started school. Now the youngest is in reception.

Yes, DS is 20 and independent.

Which makes no sense. He’s my BABY!!

Yes. I have a grown up DS and a 5yo and 1yo. The years with my eldest flew by so now I know how quickly it goes, I definitely try to make the most of the time while they're young. I take photos every day, try to fit in as many experiences as we can, prioritise fun trips and activities. With the 5yo and a younger one, I really notice how mature my 5yo is, she is on her way to a different stage of life now.

I used to feel this way when my dcs were younger. They’re now 17, 15 & 9. I could never imagine them growing older and being teenagers, but as they get older I’m conscious I need to make the most of each moment and am focused on developing my relationship with them as they start to grow up. I love each stage and am trying to make the most of every part of it. It’s fabulous having a laugh with these fascinating young adults I brought into the world and admiring the people they are becoming.

or 26... and having her own family! I don't think it ever gets easy having your kids grow up

Honestly, no. My three are grown men now and I've enjoyed every stage. I suppose I've just gone with the flow, because you have to really, don't you? The next phase will no doubt be grandchildren, which will be interesting.

My children are in their 20s and absolutely love them so much as adults. We are now on the same wavelength. They now have a conscience,funny and just appreciate everything about me and their Dad …look forward to it ,it’s great 😊

Absolutely. It actually got worse after having my second because now my eldest just seems so big and grown up in comparison.

No! 17 & 14 now and to be honest I am so glad.
The primary school years were exhausting. Getting up every morning at the crack of dawn to get them to breakfast club so I could go to work all day, rush to pick them up minutes before after school club closed, trying to find holiday clubs that were open longer than 10am-2pm so we could work.
I wish I didn't feel like that at the time but it was so, so hard getting through every day. I am thrilled they are much easier now!

I did find it very difficult. It made me realize that a 100 years ago we were surrounded by kids of every age. We would have kids at 18 and stop by 40, by which time the grandkids were turning up. Whatever cute age you were missing, they’d be kid or grandkid or niece or nephew coming up to it. It must have been nice to be part of a huge family community

I loved them little, but I love them big, too. They're such great company and so much fun. I wouldn't trade my gorgeous, funny, clever, silly, brilliant teenagers for their younger selves. They're still my babies, and they still need me, and I still get to be their mum - even if they do look like adults to the casual observer!

No. I have a 3 year old and a baby and have never hated life more. I love them but i can’t wait for them to let me get some sleep, or stop following me to the toilet, or stop watching teletubbies, or stop the repetitive weekends of park and soft play. And for my 3 year old to stop throwing things and hitting me.

My dd is 18 this year and ds has just turned 22. I just keep thinking wtf has the time gone?! Feel like I've literally blinked and they're adults 😭

Oh God no. I've got a 1 year old and a 4 year old and I LOVE watching them get older and become more interesting and complicated little people.

I need to get a grip and enjoy what I've got, please someone who has felt the same tell me how? This is pretty harsh on yourself - if a friend told you they had wanted a second child but it was looking unlikely, and they were a bit sad at coming out of the young child phase, would you really tell them to get a grip??! If you did, they'd be justified in dumping you as a friend...

It is bittersweet when children grow up, it is tinged with sadness that we can't stop time.

I'd suggest taking some time to feel how you feel and let yourself move on with time.

I used to get very emotional about the same thing OP. Felt that I hadn't done enough with them, that life was flying past and I just wanted it to slow down. But then I read something (may have even been on here) about a lady who'd lost a child to cancer who was the same age as my eldest and she said how angry and upset she would get when people moaned about their kids growing up. I know it's dreadful but it really put things into perspective for me. Watching our children grow and develop is a privilege that will be denied to many parents or those who can't have children.

My DSs are grown up now (well almost!) and I find I'm using it for myself now. I have a couple of health conditions and sometimes feel a bit sorry for myself but have to remind myself that it's better than the alternative!!

Sorry to bring the mood down as I know this is a somewhat lighthearted but I do think it's important to look at the positives in life