I once prepared breakfast for little ones in cozy pajamas, their legs swinging joyfully at the kitchen counter. I would slice grapes onto tiny plates and fill sippy cups with juice, all while managing complaints about which child got the blue cup.
Now, I find myself cooking multiple frozen pizzas to keep up with the appetites of my towering teens, still dealing with grievances, but this time about who finished the last of the Doritos or ice cream bars. Often, I’m serving meals in to-go containers as they dash out the door, offering thanks just as the door clicks shut behind them.
In the past, my days were spent assisting toddlers in learning to walk, mastering baby signs, putting on their shoes, picking up toys, and encouraging them to use their nice words instead of biting each other. Nowadays, I assist them with filling out job applications, discussing resumes, work hours, and how to complete a W-2. I find myself guiding them through friendships, relationships, and the nerve-wracking experience of learning to drive (I mostly pray during those lessons).
I used to stay up at night worrying about what they ate during the day, whether my son would ever try something that wasn’t a sugary, white carb, or if my daughter would finally sleep through the night. I was concerned about their growth milestones, like when they would learn to talk or walk, and the elusive achievement of staying dry all night.
Now, my sleepless nights are filled with worries about their driving safety and the choices they make regarding who they spend time with and what they consume. I wonder how I’ll cope when my daughter no longer checks in with me daily.
I used to be their go-to person for everything—a one-stop shop for food, comfort, and love. They followed me like little ducklings, and I orchestrated our daily routines. Now, I watch them spread their wings, embrace friendships, and seek support from various sources.
Despite the shift in dynamics, I remain their one-stop shop. They still come to me for food (so much food) and the comfort and love they always need.
What remains constant is their need for us, though how that need manifests has changed. I am grateful for the opportunity to guide them through life’s challenges and the many questions they pose—not about the color of the sky, but about why the world can sometimes be so difficult.
Each year brings its own sweetness, from kissing the head of a newborn placed in my arms to the bittersweet kiss I give my daughter as she prepares to step out the door into the world.
We love. We teach. We serve. We worry. And we love some more. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Our children will always need us, just as we will always need them. Letting go is hard, but it’s all the more rewarding when they choose to come back home. Every moment is a blessing.
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Summary:
As children grow, parenting evolves significantly—from hands-on care for toddlers to guiding teens through life challenges. Despite these changes, the fundamental need for love and support remains constant. Parents continue to be a source of comfort and guidance, regardless of their children’s age. Embracing these transitions while maintaining a strong connection is key to nurturing lasting relationships.