To feel incredibly sad that my ‘baby’ is 4yo tomorrow?

[Notjustamam]

So I’ve spent an hour playing a lovely imaginary game with my DD and it suddenly hit me that tomorrow she’ll be 4 years old. These games are going to stop in favour of friends and technology just as they did with my older 4 DC. I’ve, literally, had to leave the room coz I’m crying my eyes out. Think it’s just hit me I’ll never have another baby.
Please someone snap me out of it.....

I've never quite grasped people getting upset that their child is growing up. Of course you can be nostalgic but your child is turning 4 not 21. Just be glad that you still have a child who has successfully reached age 4 and is happy and healthy, not cry about it.

Its not unreasonable to have a weep when part of your life comes to an end. I bawled like a baby when my kids left primary school!

Bit harsh there, Myotherusernameisbest, OP came for sympathy not a kicking

It's always a little bit bittersweet when you realise your baby is growing up, especially when you know there are no more babies to follow. If course you're proud and happy for them you want them to grow and progress, but it's a stark reminder that time marches on.

A stage of your life (and hers) is ending and a new one is beginning, it's only natural to feel a little whistful about it.

I have it on good authority from my own mother that while they might drift away a bit as they grow, they do eventually come back to you in adulthood.

My message sounds a bit harsh, sorry. Not meant to be that harsh, but trying to snap you out of it

What I mean is, why be sad about it? be happy at all they and you have acheived.

I cant stand idiotic comments from single minded people such as 'be grateful they are here and healthy'
Its perfectly possible to be grateful for what you have but yearn for the baby days and feel life is going past too quick

This quote always comes to mind when I think of my last baby getting older:

"But the last one: the baby who trails her scent like a flag of surrender through your life when there will be no more coming after - oh, that's love by a different name. She is the babe you hold in your arms for an hour after she's gone to sleep. If you put her down in the crib, she might wake up changed and fly away. So instead you rock by the window, drinking the light from her skin, breathing her exhaled dreams. Your heart bays to the double crescent moons of closed lashes on her cheeks. She's the one you can't put down."

I think it's a bit weird to be 'incredibly sad.' Sorry.

MotherforkingShirtballs great name by the way.

That quote has made me cry. My baby is moving out of our room soon and part of me feels sad about it.

OP I totally get it and I know I am going to be like you at all the milestones. There's no problem with having a little cry about it but remember to treasure all the times you have ahead. As a mother of 5 you know only too well that there are joys at every age and stage. reception children are still babies really and my 5 year old still likes to play pretend and even my 7 year old still plays shops and schools sometimes. Yes it's a milestone but there will be plenty more... and then there will be grandchildren

Grandchildren are the best! Judging by how my mother is as a parent, you get do all of the cool things you wouldn't have dared do with your own kids

I get sentimental when they come to the end of things like school, etc but what you describe never affected me!! I can’t believe eldest is started gcses next week - we are also looking forward to the future!!

I never thought I’d not be broody but our final baby was twins.

I adore them but I have had 8 years straight of breast feeding/toilet training/batch cooking etc. I am ready for the next less intensive stage.

They’re not even 3 yet but I can almost taste the lie ins and independence.

Fly free my little cherubs! Also, why are you both so sticky???

I feel incredibly sad that my baby isn't here.

@charl

I would love to know how you enjoy “imaginary play” with your kids. I loath “imaginary play” with a passion.

It is hard adjusting to your kids growing up though. 99% of the time I cheer every step forward they make towards an independent life. But I do sometimes ache for them to be tiny babies again (just minus the sleepless, nights, crying and pooey nappies).

I think its a bit over sentimental. But I'm not a particularly gushy person. I do look back fondly at the baby days but that's part of having kids isnt It? Time passes, people grow up and change and it's quite amazing watching your kids grow and achieve.
I don't think myotherusername... comment was idiotic at all.

@Charley50 I think wierd is a bit harsh but understand people might think I’m nuts

@motherforking Quote is lovely and exactly how I’m feeling I think

@sosks I have been through losses as well. In no way was I undermining that

@fruitcorner you’re right. I marvel at every stage of my older children and we’re all incredibly close

Thank you for making me realise I’m very lucky to have 5 beautiful kids and that’s what I should be focussed on

I couldn't wait to not feel guilty anymore about being bored sodding rigid with pretend play and glittery shit.
Children get far more interesting as they get older.
for everyone without their child.

My baby is going to uni next year.

I have four gran babies that adore me and me them. If your four turn into 16 you will want to run away.

Oh bless you, you soft thing.

@ConstantlyCold I’ll hold my hands up and admit I’ve never really done ‘imaginary play’ with my others. Oldest were twins so never needed me to join in. And I’ve always had a baby needing attention as well so she’s the only one I’ve really had that time with (bad Mam)

My DTs are 10 tomorrow, 10!!!!! I don’t feel sad about them growing up (as they’re easier to handle now ) but I do feel so old having 2 10 year olds.

I personally never feel the sad about kids growing up thing myself, but I don't think it's unreasonable for other people to feel that way if they're so inclined.

I get you op. I've only just given birth to my youngest and I know she'll be the last one so I'm already feeling nostalgic about pregnancy,even birth in some ways. Doesn't mean I'm not looking forward to the future or kids growing up.

Beautiful quote Mother
Where's it from?