To feel a bit wistful that DS is now a teenager?

[ReanimatedSGB]

Sitting in a pub garden yesterday with just-13 DS and his dad, watching younger kids running happily round and thinking, childhood is all but over for him. Things are changing. AIBU to be a little bit sad about it?

(My lovely DS has not gone full-tilt Kevin and Perry yet, and his birthday outing was a trip to a local animal rescue place, but still...)

I am wistful with every milestone. It's lovely to see them grow up and achieve things and find their independence but I miss my tiny babies and clumsy toddlers. It's quite a nice wistful tho, all mixed up with pride and happiness.

I think that's natural. Time passes so quickly. DS1 has just gone to University and I can't quite believe it.

Childhood is short, then all of a sudden they are adults with responsibilities.

Ooh I understand, but don't worry too much, my youngest is 19, and my absolute favourite stage has been teenage. I'm really going to miss having teens around, they are funny and interesting, you can debate interesting things with them, go to comedy gigs with them, honestly it can be great.

The saddest bit is when they then go off to uni or whatever..

(I realise my experience doesn't match everyone's, but there's hope, I promise!)

I've become that sad woman in the supermarket who smiles down on toddlers and goes 'oh, I remember when mine was that small' 😂

Thankyou for this, I adore my 3 year old and 6 month old and do spend a lot of time just watching them, but you've made me want to appreciate it even more.

Mine is turning 13 in just over a week and I've got very mixed feelings about it, but mainly wistful too. I'm very careful to keep this to myself, but I think he is also slightly 'mourning' the loss of his childhood.

I get what you mean, OP, but teenagers are wonderful too. Try to enjoy this stage too. My baby is a full grown adult of 21 just applying for proper grown up career starting jobs. That's wonderful too.

Apologies for the excess of 'too' in that post. I'm off work ill in my defence.

Yeah, mine is also a bit uneasy about becoming a teen. I think he is starting to worry that he won't be 'allowed' to keep on liking the things he likes (transport, animals, being silly). I reassure him that everything will be fine and try not to say 'Now you're growing up you need to...' too often.

I feel the same and am in the same position made worse by the fact I couldn't have a second

Yes, mine is now 2 years in and it's hard me adjusting to her not being my shadow and doing everything together (outside of work/school) and her being more independent, staying out more and generally having a bit of her own life. I feel a bit lost tbh! But incredibly proud that she is independent and reliable at this age, and hey I can always dig out the pit her bedroom if I'm bored!