Anyone else finding life a bit easier now the kids are a bit older?

[dongbibi]

I was talking to another mum at pick-up and we both laughed about how different things feel compared to a few years ago. Don’t get me wrong, there are still plenty of challenges, but day to day life just feels a bit more manageable now.
The kids can actually tell me what’s wrong, get themselves dressed, and even help out a bit without it turning into a negotiation. I’m not constantly on edge anymore, and I’ve noticed I have more patience and energy than I used to.
It’s made me realise how far we’ve all come, even if it didn’t feel like progress at the time. Curious if anyone else has hit this stage and felt that quiet sense of relief, like you’re finally getting your head above water again.

The primary school years are the golden years imo.

They sleep, they toilet independently, feed themselves, can tell you what they want/need, you're past buggies and baby equipment, they can join in properly with stuff, entertain themselves...

But they're still sweet and loving, they still want to spend time with you, you know where they are at all times and aren't worrying about drinking/drugs/social media/sex/driving.

It has to be, on average, the easiest time for parenting.

Yes, definitely. I remember when everything felt relentless and there was no real breathing space, so I really relate to what you’re saying. Once they can communicate properly and do a few things for themselves, it makes such a difference to the general mood of the house.
It’s not that it’s suddenly easy, but it does feel more manageable, like you’re not constantly firefighting. I think you only realise how intense those earlier years were once you’re a bit past them.

Agree 100%. My youngest is 12 now. I go for walks when I want or grocery shop or go meet friends. I'm feeling more myself and positive than I have in years. (Not right now, awake stressing over Christmas stuff). Everyone tells you the older years are harder because you worry more but that's very subjective. I'm not a worrier over things I can't control and trust older DC when out late at night. I'm really looking forward now for the first time in 18 years. Life is good

Yes!! When my kids turned 4&6 I suddenly realised how much easier life was.

Anyway, I now have a 3 week old baby so back to square 1!!

Dd is 14 so it's even easier now. She can be home alone, sorts her own social life out and generally gets on with things independently. She just wants us for food, lifts and moaning to. My career is back on track and it's great!

Yes! Dd is 6 and it’s been easy for about 18 months

Yeah, my youngest, at 8 now, has learnt how to wipe her own bottom, she would make me do it and I'd say, do it yourself then she would say. I can but I don't want to, I told you a thousand times.

Yes, DS is 13 which seems to be the sweet spot. He can be left alone, prepare basic meals like sandwiches for himself ( nothing too complicated while being left alone), mostly gets himself to where he wants to be, but not yet interested in drinking/drugs/sex/ other worrying stuff teenagers do.
DD at 10 isn’t that independent, but miles better than the toddler years.

I found the early teenage years the easiest so far - I'll let you know how the rest of it goes in 5 years!