AIBU to worry the youngest years are the best in parenting?

[Contraversialcate]

This is my new worry. I have a sweet 10 month old baby who doesn’t sleep brilliantly but is a smiley happy dreamy baby compared to my elder two with additional needs. But even they are young enough to mostly do what we need / want them to, and the middle one is small enough (3) to easily pick up and carry if needed. The 6yo is smart, sassy, but bright and beautiful too. I worry that the moody, teenage years will creep up so quickly and they will not be so happy and loving as they are now! Everyone tells you to enjoy these years which adds to my fear! I’m trying my best to enjoy every minute but I’m also so damn tired lol

YABU the best years are yet to come?!
YANBU this is the best it gets

Well it's different. My teens have been great company but there are bigger problems to deal with such as friendship issues, exam pressures etc.

I bloody hope not as I’m really struggling with my two, age 4 and 9 months.

I have two teens and I love this phase. Mine aren't moody at all at almost 17 and 14 and haven't ever been really. They are funny, intelligent, articulate kids and watching them grow into young adults is awesome. I love spending time with them although it is rarer now that they are teens and want to be with friends. Christmas has been lovely, lots of laughing and talking. I'm really enjoying this phase of parenting.

Every stage is both lovely, and comes with challenges.

That's the bittersweet nature of parenting. As soon as you get over whatever stage is causing you some difficulty eg sleepless nights, you are into the next stage with its challenges & rewards - the cute baby stage will be gone, but you may be getting more sleep!

Teens are great fun, it's been lovely watching them grow into themselves - but of course it's also mentally & physically draining.

Just the way life is!

So re your ABU - there's no 'best' stage. So don't worry!

I have 5 kids aged between 3 and 21. Every age/stage has its fun bits and difficult bits. I love going for a drink with my eldest and having a good chat, it's so special and amazing to see her all grown up. Don't worry about the future, enjoy the present and know there's plenty more fun times to come, it's just different

I have 2 12-year-olds and a 15-year-old and it’s different but still so much fun. I love hanging with them and they seem to like being around me too. I’ve loved every stage.

My eldest is 8 and my youngest is 1. It just gets better so far. 8 is such a great age. I’m obviously expecting the worst with the teen years but I have witnessed so much lovely teen behaviour so I know it can happen. Just they probably reserve their nastiness for being at home (I did, I was vile!) and are worst to their family and lovely in public. But I’d rather it that way round tbh.

I like the primary school years the best. Bit more independence, no night feeds or pooey nappies, you can have proper conversations but they are still small & cute, give lovely cuddles and kisses, you're still their whole world. After high school they slowly start to ebb away from you and although it's great to see them growing up into independent adults, it's still very bitter sweet.

There are no best years.Each stage is amazing in its own way. So don’t worry.

I was run down with life when mine were young; it was all so busy! Give me teens every day. They are a genuine delight.

Teenagers are far superior in every way, don't worry OP!
They’re great fun, full of enthusiasm, far easier than a wingeing whining toddler! I’d happily never talk to a child under 8 ever again!

10 1/2 year old and 7 year old here and absolutely loving these ages!

Love teens. Good company fun glamorous young women. Both got me thoughtful presents were appreciative of theirs and clearing up kitchen as I’m not feeling well. Far better than squalling toddlers.

My teens are the best! I hated struggled with the early years though, never want to revisit them! But my teens are just bloody brilliant, I love being with them, and they seem to like being with me!

There is no best stage. They're just people - albeit your very own people who you live with and love to the ends of the earth.

And there doesn't have to be "moody teenage years". I think it's quite a British thing to assume that's inevitable. Language is formative and if you tell them they will be horrible for a few years they probably will be. My teens and their friends, and my friends teens are lovely - I mean, they're idiots sometimes, and occasionally spectacularly thoughtless, but still great people who I love spending time with.

Agree teenagers are great. Adorable as small children are they are bloody hard work. My teenager is hilarious, interesting and great company. He also still gives me massive hugs. There is awesomeness at every stage.

YABU. My 13 yo is brilliant.

I can't vote as I worry about this as well with my 4yo and 2yo, but interesting (and reassuring) reading the answers!

I ❤ teenagers. They are the best. Watching kids grow up is just brilliant.

Ds is turning 20 in January and I'm a bit sad I won't have a teenager any more. But then it is increasingly lovely having an adult child. He organised his own job for next summer and I knew nothing about it until he got to the final interview (of four 😮) He's madly in love with his girlfriend and did an amazing job on her presents, again zero input from me. I love being in his life but I don't have to DO anything.

I spent the afternoon with ds and my mum looking at his baby albums. They're very sweet and I had a few moments, but mostly it's great that all that worry is in the past. I do remember being worried about his future all the time... no need.

I have been snuggled up on the sofa with my fifteen year old watching Ghosts this evening.

Yesterday me and my thirteen year old went to see Wonka and gorged ourselves on popcorn.

Last night we all played board games and laughed like drains.

Not denying there are rocky moments, but every year of parenting has bought me rocky moments. Don’t panic.

This ..my children are in their 20s ,teenage years were actually ok and they are amazing adults,great company but the only downside is that one lives in Vancouver and another off to 🤦‍♀️

Every age has its moments. Then they are gone and you have your life back. Then you are gone. It is the circle of life.