Growing Up with My Kids

I can't believe that my son is 20 , it seems like just yesterday I was in labor. Getting up at night with him. Then he was talking. Do you remember when you wished they could talk and then before long you would wish for them to be quiet. My son was a talker from baby and still going on. He was always on the go from the time he got up in the morning he was outside playing, until I brought him in for a bath.

He went to kindergarten and I was nervous about him getting on the bus. But he did fine. Its hard to let go. Once when we were on a day trip and I took him into a ladies restroom with a line a mile long. When we washed our hands he said "did you pee on your hands too mommy" I thought that the ladies there were going to die laughing.

In daycare is younger sister was a momma baby and had a hard time. He would go to her and rub her back until she went to sleep for her nap. I thought wow he is going to be a wonderful boy. Then the next time I would come home from work they would be fighting until I thought I would pull my hair out . One Christmas we bought them a computer they were about 10 and 13 . Of course they fought over it so we had time set for them. One night they fought so bad over it that I said that's it and I went to my bedroom and blocked the doors and said I do not want to see you till morning you work it out. So I am stuck in my room with nothing to do. I soon hear them laughing and chatting. When I came out in the morning they had chips and sodas out and 2 chairs side by side at the PC. When I asked them what they were doing they decided to be on the computer together. I learned that they could work this out without me screaming at them .

My daughter is now 17 and since her brother went to college they actually talk to each other and look out for each other. I have always talked to my kids about drugs, smoking and drinking , of course at college my son has gone to some parties and has had some drinks and then he has told my husband and I about this. Says that he did not want to hide it from us. We have always told our kids that we love them no matter what. So whether your in trouble or just don't know what to do call us. And we have gotten calls at 4 am telling us his car wouldn't start.

When you think that they are not listening they truly are. One day my daughter went to her friends house who then they went running in the neighborhood and some man stopped to ask directions and then followed 3 teenage girls to their house. The other girls were not alarmed by this. But my daughter called me to come and get her she said I am ready to come home. I knew something was wrong, and as soon as we picked her up she told me what happened and that the other girls step mom laughed at them I of course reported the man to the police and was very proud of my daughter, and I learned that they truly do hear what we are saying so keep talking.

I have talked with both my kids about sex and std's and what can happen and although they act all embarrassed they do hear me and I now know that they are listening. Some wise words of wisdom that came from a wonderful lady that never had children of her own was "always talk to you children as if they are your peers never talk down to them ", or do not talk baby talk and they will learn. And always practice what you preach.

Next year my daughter will also be going to college and she is teaching me so much right now about what her thoughts are. That she is worried about staying over night or going away. Even though she says that I embarrass her at softball she is upset if I don't come to the games.

I do know that my husband and I have done very well with our children and have taught them the value of life. I just hope that I can learn in the next year to be able to let go so she can also move forward in her life.