May I just indulge in a little sentimental sniffle here please?

[Ormirian]

Eldest DS is 14, DD is 11 and DS2 is 7.

I have been much happier since my DC have got older - life is easier and I like having children I can have proper conversations with.

But yesterday I took DD and DS2 for a long muddy country walk (DS1 is way too old for anything like that now). It was a place we'd been to many times before over the years from when DS1 was about 4. It was DD's favourite place for many years and we even held her birthday party there for her 7th birthday. But we hadn't been for about a year.

DS2 held my hand almost the whole way round. They played together and ran about rediscovering places. And I had so many memories and I realised there's a chance that this was probably one of the last times DD would voluntarily choose to do something like this with me. Next time it might be just DS2 and me. And next time he might not hold me hand most of the time. I saw our family in 10 years time and felt a little bit bleak.

I want them to grow up and away. But it is quite sad too. Time is a bit of a bugger isn't it?

Hi Ormirian,been feeling a bit lost lately.I have 11,almost 12 dd and two more dd who are 10 and 8.I don't know anyone with teenagers and feel a bit unsure about the future.I know if my husband hadn't had the snip[sorry,hate that word},I would probably be pregnant now.My eldest went to the beach with us yesterday,and it was lovely,but none of my children will come to the park with me anymore;its usually just me and the dogs.Once upon a time they would have got excited just to go out,but now they hardly ever want to come.

Hi Ormirian,been feeling a bit lost lately.I have 11,almost 12 dd and two more dd who are 10 and 8.I don't know anyone with teenagers and feel a bit unsure about the future.I know if my husband hadn't had the snip[sorry,hate that word},I would probably be pregnant now.My eldest went to the beach with us yesterday,and it was lovely,but none of my children will come to the park with me anymore;its usually just me and the dogs.Once upon a time they would have got excited just to go out,but now they hardly ever want to come.

sorry,havn't got 11 or 12 daughters!I meant eldest daughter is 11 years old.

Look a little further, Orm - yes, they won't want to come with you in the near future but can't you see your DCs coming with you on these long walks when they're adults? And maybe you'll have a DGC to hold your hand.............

Thanks.

pol - I'm 45 now. I am hoping that GC won't arrrive for at least 15 yrs! So I had better stay in good shape for those long walks

I'm 40, and my oldest DD is 7, so we're in the same situation - my 73-yo dad doesn't do so badly yet.....

Hello sentiMENTAL folk.

Im at home with a 3 yr old DS and 1 yr old DD.

Let me remind you of what you are missing shall I.

DS had us up ALL night with a sore throat - typical man in the making.
DD had the decency to wait until she got up this morning to reveal her new snotty faced miserable screaming self.

I've spent the day splitting them up from fighting over toys, blowing noses, changing nappies, wiping bums, putting everything back in cupboards after DD pulled them out and having her scream all day While DS jumped around the furniture pretending to be Buzz lightyear.

The last time I had a poo on my own Tony Blair was still in number 10 and Michael Jackson was alive and kicking.

Infact, it feels like the last time I ever relaxed and did anything on my own, Margaret Thatcher was still alive and Diana was alive and kicking - surely?

You just enjoy those peaceful walks with the dogs while the rest of us strap screamers in cars, put buggies in, chase toddler then fight toddler in a non bending situation into car seat, drive with screaming baby who just won't sleep in the back, get buggies out, sweat buckets and grind our teeth to relieve some of the anxious tension.

Remember now, is it all flooding back - thats right, the nice walks in the park were few and far between and they were generally little feckers!

Glad I could help .

Margaret Thatcher was still in number 10.....then there's the lack of brain cells..

sneak - been there, done that! And yes I didn't say it was logical

Ormirian - your DD might go on a shopping trip with you if you are buying her new clothes. This phase can last many years.