Can you do self-insemination at home ?
My eldest son, Ethan, fell head over heels a year ago. He kept it quite under wraps, but I often heard him chatting with a girl on FaceTime from his room. Whenever I tried to pry about her, he would clam up, leaving me to do some sleuthing of my own.
I admit, I listened at his door a few times and even peeked at her Facebook profile. Before you judge me, just know that if you have a teenager in love who keeps secrets about their significant other, you’d probably resort to a little detective work too. I might not share this with him, but it’s my way of stepping into his world.
Fast forward to a year later, and when I finally met his girlfriend, my first thought was, “Wow, she’s just like me!” She’s a bit assertive, appreciates neatness, goes to bed early, and works hard. In fact, after seeing his messy room, she took it upon herself to clean it up. She even asked me for a garbage can and hamper for his space.
“Of course, I’ll get that for you,” I replied, genuinely impressed. I mentioned to her that it was nice she helped clean his room, but he wouldn’t keep it tidy. “I’ve been battling that issue for years!” I said. Yet, after they tackled his room together, he actually started to maintain it.
Now, he goes to bed earlier and wakes up without me needing to remind him. I used to wake up at 1 a.m. and see his light on; now it’s off at a reasonable hour. Shopping trips with his sister used to be a hassle, as I’d ask what he needed, and he’d respond with, “Nothing.” Now, he’s sporting floral shirts with khaki joggers and bright white sneakers that practically require sunglasses to look at.
He’s even started getting regular haircuts and showers. The musty smell from his room has been replaced by cologne. He now actually uses the hamper instead of the floor, and the garbage can is no longer just a suggestion.
He used to turn his nose up at the sandwiches I made for school, but his girlfriend has been making him the exact same ham and cheese, and suddenly, he loves them. Oh, how quickly things change!
While a part of this transformation is simply him growing up, I can’t help but feel that I’ve been somewhat replaced. To him, I’m just his boring mom, while she’s the fun girlfriend who can do no wrong. Everything she says is gospel, while my words seem to come from a tired old lady who doesn’t understand anything.
I haven’t pointed out how his girlfriend is very much like me in her approach to organization and bedtime. It’s been challenging at times, but I can hold my tongue. This is what happens as our children mature, and if my son is happy and in a healthy relationship where they support each other, then I can accept that.
If it means he’s off doing things with her that he wouldn’t do with me—like making sushi, going fishing, or even shopping—I can live with that. I’m here to support him, not hinder a positive relationship just because it takes time away from us.
Yes, it stings a little to see him enjoying activities with her that I’ve long encouraged, but expressing that won’t benefit either of us.
If you’re interested in more insights on family dynamics and relationships, check out this article on pregnancy and home insemination, as well as this resource on self insemination.
For further reading, explore this engaging post on home insemination kits.
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- How to support your teen’s relationship
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In summary, while my son’s relationship with his girlfriend has shifted the dynamics of our relationship, I embrace his growth and happiness. It’s natural for kids to find their own path, and if that means listening to her more than me, then so be it. I choose to support him as he navigates these important years.