Why New Moms Should Watch What They Wish For
New moms always hear their friends with older kids say “enjoy the time now, they grow up so fast.” I always thought that was total BS, because how could those moms wish for what I had – two little insatiable people who needed something from me all the time, no privacy, a slow insanity from lack of sleep, entire days with conversations using less than two syllable words, and situations that would outdo any “what’s grosser than gross” joke? I never thought I would make it to the point of that relaxed mom who at the park just watches their kids play while reading a book.
I wished, just wished they would grow up and stop making so many messes, scenes, and demands.
And then they did.
They walked themselves to school this morning for the first time. I should have been celebrating, for haven’t I complained about doing that task a million times over the last 9 years? And isn’t it my job to encourage them to rely on themselves and not me? Instead, unexpectedly, the emptiness and pain of not being needed anymore by them completely overtook me. Through tears I watched their backpacked bodies vanish around the corner, and I sadly whispered – “wait for me. wait for me.”
From now on, I’ll watch what I wish for.
Plus, more from The Bump:
10 Things to do for You in 10 Minutes
Staying Sane Tips for New Moms
The Knot Blog
The Nest Blog
Oh my goodness! This brought back such sad memories for me. I can so completely understand. With three children all over the age of 12 and pretty much self-sufficient, I still get a little teary when they leave for the first day of school……for about 10 minutes. Then, I begin to realize that the house is ALL mine, and it’s quiet. I miss them while they’re gone, but boy do I enjoy the peace. Now that the oldest is in college, it’s getting harder to let him go again. This time, it just feels more……permanent.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Simply-Baby-Gifts/344833055590175
My dad always said the hardest thing for him was watching us grow up. But don’t worry sweets — they still need you!
Now that I’m expecting my first, I need my mom again in a whole different way. I think we always need our parents one way or another.