I am really, really enjoying my older kids. Not that I don't adore my little girls because I do. They are still at the age where they are cute and I feel like I could just "eat them up!" But with my older kids - it's different. I feel like they are at a golden age - old enough to be interactive, fun, responsible, independent, individuals but young enough to still think Wes and I are pretty cool. Here are just a few reasons why I think kids this age are great:
1. They can babysit
2. They do their own laundry
3. They can call their friends to set up their own "playdates"
4. We laugh at the same jokes
5. We don't have to force them to hang out with us - they actually like to!
6. They are more willing to try new foods
7. We enjoy reading some of the same books and watching some of the same movies
8. They ask interesting questions that require "grown-up" answers
9. They are learning that some questions just don't have answers!
10. They can brush their own teeth, fix their own breakfast, dress themselves, bathe themselves, answer the phone, put on their shoes, change the channel, change the volume, answer the door, go to the bathroom, put themselves to bed, put on their coats, put on their seatbelts, etc. (it's amazing what you take for granted!)
11. They can babysit
12. They can babysit
I realize that a lot of why I am enjoying my kids at this age is because it requires less physical work by me. Just being lazy I guess! But when I can still contrast having kids that require full-time care with kids that are more independent, it becomes more apparent. Mostly I try to love and enjoy my kids at every stage they are in. But I am finding this older child/preteen phase to be especially rewarding.
10 comments:
I am 100% with you on this. I do love the baby/toddler thing, but I am enjoying my older kids in a whole new way. Loving it.
Maybe someday I will actually have kids old enough to be like this. It sounds heavenly!
A sweet tribute to A. and I. And I'm proud of what great parents you and Wes are.
Connie adding: And they are lovely, talented, brilliant, little human beings! We love spending time with them! Great job Emily and Wes.
I feel that way, too. I am so worn out with my younger crew (even though I adore them) that I can't wait until the younger ones are at that super-independent stage, too. I feel bad many times, though, that Emma and Clara get the short stick because I am often so occupied with the twins. Age 8-12 just is perfect.
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. I agree completely. It is just so great to see them turning into who they are.
And they babysit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And they do laundry???? Now that is impressive.
How fun (and a lovely break from the physical work of caring for their basic needs!). Can't wait to enjoy some of the items on your list as my kidlets move into another phase--it makes me excited rather than sad to see the "babies" disappear...
Who wouldn't love spending time with A. and I. Awesome kids!!
I know what you mean. Life changes when they get older.
You really have a jewel in Addie!
Great thoughts! And I was just thinking something similar about my M the other day as I think that we're just at the beginning of this phase. And after what you've said it's helping me look forward to it even more. Especially the babysitting! And more than anything, you can look back at these great kids and think that after all of these years, you must be doing something right!
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