For those of you with grown up children - which phase of their childhood did you enjoy the most?

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

It's been the day from hell in this house - and in my attempts to de-stress, I tried to say to myself that these early years are precious, so try to chill! Needless to say it didn't work - ah well, tomorrow is another day !

Anyway, those of you who have been here, done it, got the t shirt - what were your "favourite" years, and no, you're not allowed to say "when they left home" ! Oh, and please explain why!

How many years are we allowed, Puff?

IME primary school years are the most fun and, if it has to be narrowed down, the juniors. They are so eager to learn, and can do so much already; and they can remember what they did all day (unlike earlier) and want to share with you what they did (unlike later)!

Will be interested in JT's point of view!

bumping for JT cos I want to know!

That's really interesting Jan - me and dh are looking forward to being able to go out for a reasonably leisurely meal with our two (aged nearly 4 and 21 months). At the mo, it gets a bit fraught if we try to do anything other than a main course!

Anyone else, including gdk's Mum?

Jools will you bloody spot this thread?!

I couldn't possibly choose any stage, honestly - each had their ups and downs.

baby years are just adorable
toddling stage was fascinating
school - all grown up and learning every day
exams - encouraging to do best and pride in their achievements
arguments - show em who's boss
sports - cheering them on
teenage - boyfriends/girlfriends - hoping they get treated well being nosey on their choices
arguments - when I were a lass
grown up - settled in jobs, own homes
marriage - pride and joy
grandkids - icing on the cake - watch it all again from less stressed angle

She's considering her response carefully gdk!

Oops, posted while you were posting Jools, will now read!

but would add

its been great from the grown up years because the main part of the job is done and now we're friends.

I love having a 16 year old dd!! She is wonderful, gets a bit moody sometimes but I can cope with that. i love hearing the gossip about her, her mates and the boyfriends and she is such good company!

PMSL!! I think the thing is, me and my db's have been such perfect specimens of offspring that JT really has nothing to complain about!!

I'm quite misty eyed after reading that Jools .

Have to say, I'm very nervous about the teenage years. My sister has 2 boys older than mine, so I've told her I'll be taking notes !

Bugger - I was gonna say "When they left home..."

Now I have to think;

Not her childhood, but I love my DD1 as she is now. She's 24, very happy, settled in a relationship that makes her happy, good career, stunningly beautiful (or am I bias), confident, fun, etc. A far cry from the bulimic, shoplifting, violent, alcohol obsessed pain in the ass that I hated at times in her teens whilst she hated me just as much back!! I know that sounds harsh, but we laugh about it now.

DD2 - (20) I'm too angry with her at the moment

DS - Brilliant from birth and up to now - he's 15 and still wonderful.

GS - 2 and the light of my life (sounds corny, but I love every little minute that I'm with him.

Primary school age- they were adorable and loved stories, playing in park with me and behaved wonderfully even though I was a single parent. When my babes were young everyone told me it would get easier as they grew but I've found out that's not true. It's not easier it's just different and that's why we do it isn't it .

The bit in the middle when they were about 12/11/9 & 7. Old enough to play board games and have a decent conversation with. Young enough to go to bed before me

(Actually it's not bad now they are 19, 17, 15 & 13 & can go to the shops & get stuff and be left at home alone)

I like this thread - am also kind of dreading teenagerdom (made that word up) so it's heartening to read positive things. Can't imagine my two as grown-ups - that must be strange.

I like this thread, I'm scared of my children growing out of pre-school stage TBH and can't imagine it being as much fun or loving once they're older. Am scared of having teenagers if I'm honest (I was fairly difficult)

it'll stay fun and loving if you make it so

mine are 28, 30, 32 (2 boys and a girl) and we still have massive hugs and kisses each time we meet and say goodbye - the boys even hug dh

PMSL at Joash when they left home!

Glad it's not just me who is worried about the teenage years!

I truly couldn't pick a 'best' age. I love mine as tiny babies, cute toddlers, inquisitive school agers and even moody teenagers! I adore my older two as much as ever, though they are both grown up and living their own lives. In fact, ds2 flew to Los Angeles yesterday to a conference and is spending some time with ds1, who lives out there. I keep coming over all warm and fuzzy when I think of the two boys spending some quality times together (and hopefully not arguing, lol!).

Don't fear the teens. Imo, many people exaggerate that stage. There is plenty of good to look forward to with teenagers, as well.

How lovely seudonim .

My dearest wish is that my two boys become real friends and remain so, when they are all grown up.