To be worried about dc being teenagers and leaving home

[notnow2]

They are 6,4 and 2! I have started worrying about it a lot the last week or 2. Maybe because by 6 year old is becoming a bit more independent. Is it easier when it is actually happening

I worry that ours will be unable to afford to be independent with the way house prices and rents are!

Cory... I was going to reply that I have a very close friend who would give ANYTHING for her precious poorly DC to one day leave home. Big Virtual hugs.
I am going to say that as a Mum whos 16 year old last born has, off his own back, joined the Navy and is off in April.....It is what we want for our DCs, to be confident enough to make this step. I also think it is our job to prepare them to join the land of grown-ups. They must be able to cook, use washing machine, basic!!!cleaning, change bed,etc...etc. I took a step back ie not cooking every night, only doing washing when put in front of the machine ( and refused to listen to the grumbles when favourite jeans dirty!) and once let DS age 17 walk 9 miles because of bad planning on his part. Didn't have car but could have paid £20 for a taxi. He didn't do that again! I am trying to squeeze a tear out! but after talking to mate with 3 lazy teenage and older boys who are making no effort to become independent, she is a martyr to those boys and tho they are lovely, she made the rod for her own back. I love my DCs as much as anyone but, tho feeling empty nest syndrome badly, can only rejoice. Also am having massive throw out and am decorating the big room that we gave the boys. Please don't be worrying about something which is inevitable and Yes, it does get easier when the time comes. Enjoy them at the stage they are in NOW....

You'll wish your life away OP, thinking like that, it doesn't happen overnight.
So many stages to go through, all of them wonderful in different ways. I loved the teen years, ds is 18 and at uni now but he still loves his mum and brilliant company.

Mine are on the brink of being ready to leave home. It's exciting and scary all at once.

What nobody needs is the situation a friend of my aunt is in. Her sons are 59 and 61, still living at home, and expecting her to do the washing, cooking and housework. She can see her mistake now but feels it's too late to change anything.

OP enjoy every minute while they're little, but you can still be hugely proud of their achievements when they're older.