To ask if you have older children....

[PointerDoi]

Do you still feel the same as when they were little?

I have very young DC and I love them so completely. But the thought of them being older makes me sad and I wonder if I'll miss it/feel differently when there are no more sticky hands grabbing my face for a kiss or needing a cuddle when hurt/scared etc...

When my two were little I thought the same as you! However, mine are teens now, and the thought of having toddlers again fills me with dread. Loved it at the time, but would hate to go back there now.

I'm loving the teenager stage, believe it or not. I'm loving the person my eldest has turned out to be, She's year 12 and planning her university applications. It's so exciting sharing that journey with her. I also love the fact that she just enjoys spending time with us, will sit on the sofa and chat of an evening, watch tv together.

My youngest has a bit to go to be there yet. She's still at the parents are nothing more than taxi drivers stage 😂

Yes but I do miss when they were cute and actually wanted a cuddle.

No I don't feel the same. I love and like her more than when she was little. It just gets better and better. She's 24.

@HadEnoughOfBears

TBH I think they need you more when they get a bit older

Agreed. Early secondary school is when they need you most.

It’s utterly lovely when your teen ds (who is bigger than you are) comes and drapes himself over you for a cuddle then says he’s going to mow the lawn

I’d love an hour or so back with squishy toddlers but omg I don’t envy my friends with little ones now. Give me older children any day of the week.

14yo DD and I walked back into the house together after her netball game today and DH said “you two are always laughing when you walk in”. And it’s true, of course we have our moments but you build a connection when they’re older that is completely different but just as lovely.

DS13 still reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze, or plonks himself down next to me when he needs a cuddle or a chat.

I'm nostalgic but dont miss sleepless nights or lack of freedom or inability to read a book.

Babies are amazingly cute ... & 1000% needy. I found the raw emotional intensity of relationships with under 7s overwhelming. I hate organising other people's lives. I'm glad to have nuanced relationships with big DC. They often make choices I don't like and usually their choices work out fine. I'm so relieved not to be 100% responsible for them now. Their failures are just sad moments not my failures too.

They are funny & surprise me and still growing emotionally & mentally. They are maddening & selfish & not doormats. They tell me honest things about their lives. I hope (probably in vain) to never burden them with my problems. They can fix my car or teach me how to politely or firmly handle difficult moments & people. They are so interesting.