Obviously I can’t and won’t opt out. But 10 years in I feel a bit unenthused by it all. Lots of nagging. Lots of repeating myself. They are bigger so take up more space in the house, take more time in the bathroom, use my stuff getting ready. The constant music on, the constant talking, the questions, the opinions, the “facts”, the demands, the suggestions. My kids are lovely, generally well behaved, but it’s like novelty has worn off and I find myself kicking them out to play outside more and more to just get out of our hair. But I also try to relish that they come in and out of our room when they want, that they are finding their own tastes and getting lost in music, want to share/ask everything with us etc etc.
Seems like we’ve hit a new phase and perhaps I haven’t yet adjusted.
I remember learning in a-level psychology about there being a crossover point at 15 when children don’t need you so much anymore and that it’s natural for parents to be able to let go by then a bit more too. So I guess we’re cruising down that path, which is heartbreaking and exciting all at once.