Ages and Stages

I have kids in very different age groups: a teenager, a “kid,” and a toddler/preschooler. It leads to some pretty interesting family dynamics. I realize that the time with my teenager just doesn’t happen very often. And the time with my little one, well, that is constant. Our “kid,” the nine-year old in the middle, is the least demanding at the moment. I know, though, his time will come. I’ll miss him, just like I do my teen. I’ll realize all too soon, these easy days, the precious rest period in the middle, doesn’t last forever.

Typically, my adoring, wonderful, two-year-old is just a joy… unless she chooses not to be. Especially when she chooses not to nap. She’s a life of the party kind of girl. She wants to conquer the world now, and she wants-no, make that expects-me to be there to help her. NOW!

Then, there’s the teenager. He’s Mr. Leave-Me-Alone-I’ll-Be-In-My-Room-But-Don’t-Come-Find-Me. He does come out for food, to ask for things on occasion, and to bum a ride to football practice.  I would love to sit and talk with him.  I’ve heard rumors that he even has a fairly large vocabulary.  But, no!  His world isn’t for sharing.  He prefers his own thoughts and ideas, his music, his guitar, his space. Ah, but I do remember when…

Sometimes, though, the world spins the way I want it. The sweet, adoring one actually naps…one of those really long naps to make up for all the time she didn’t nap in the past month or so.  The teen actually braves the world of humans and joins me for-gasp!-conversation. “Hey, Mom, did you hear about…?” Oh, sweet boy (in my heart he’s always my boy), even if I did, I’ll listen again. And again. And again.

 These are the precious times, when the ages and stages bless the mom.  I get to spend time with the heart I’m learning to let go, while getting a break from the heart who holds on so tight. It’s this one glorious, forever moment that I treasure-and never let go.

Karen Dawkins is a contributing writer at www.joyfuljungle.com. The Joyful Jungle is a place for women to share how to live the everyday life of multi-tasking mother in a joyful, inspired way. We have lots to do--dishes, kids, bills, kids--we want to do it well and enjoy it, too! Join us for a laugh in the jungle.