My kids are transforming right before my eyes. Although every stage and phase of motherhood is profound, I’m caught in the throes of transformation with both my kids that sometimes leaves me breathless. This spring, my son will be graduating grade school and moving on to middle school. My daughter will be graduating middle school and moving on to high school. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around this reality. And yet, the evidence is clear-
They are changing at an alarming rate.
The way my son stands with his hands in his pockets and has a slight swagger to his walk. The way he uses intricate detail in his stories and responds to my questions with a new level of clarity and confidence. They way he can reach my face and look me in the eyes when we hug. I notice every detail in the shaping and shifting of this little boy, and I try to grasp each moment that unfolds with every change .
I am struck by the magnitude of this season in parenting.
My girl is changing even faster than my boy. She has suddenly began to appear as an independent, confident, unique individual who needs me less and less. The tone in her voice has shifted, along with her facial expressions and her dialogue. She’s more concerned about her friends and her appearance than ever before, which both surprises me and pleases me- that seems right on the mark, right? She isn’t into make up or accessories, but rather more about cute clothes that fit well and getting her hair in a messy bun just right. She still asks me how she looks and I am still brutally honest on those days the outfit just doesn’t work. I’m grateful she still listens and respects my opinion. I hear this may not last. I’m slowly becoming uncool and embarrassing. Just yesterday she looked at my outfit and said “Wow mom. That’s nice and bright.” She’s gotten really good at sarcasm too. But I appreciate her honesty- our family is built on that. (I’ll never wear that outfit again.)
I recently had an eye opening moment with my girl, that inspired me to write about this transition and I’d love for you to click HERE to read it. It’s one of my favorites, really. Definitely one to add to her overstuffed, under-organized scrapbook. If you enjoyed it, please like and share it on FB for others to read.
I appreciate you walking through this season of motherhood with me.
“Definitely one to add to her overstuffed, under-organized scrapbook.” – LOL! I’m right there with you, Chris.
I’m SO glad someone caught that, Katy! And I LOVE that it would be YOU. Of COURSE it would be you, right? Girl, me and you both. 🙂
Heyyyyy Chris!! How I’ve missed you my friend! Wow, they have grown up!! I miss those days when my kids were that age (well, maybe not, now that I think about it, lol)!! Oh I remember the sarcasm and the “yeah, yeah…I hear ya mom”. Kids…you gotta love em’! My daughter will be 28 this year and over the past five years or so, she’s become my best friend. It’s funny how life takes a full circle when they become grownups. Now that she’s expecting, we’ve become even closer. Hey, at least you get to look forward to having the ‘bestest’ friend in about 10 years or so, lol! Love and miss you lady!! Have a blessed rest of your week! xoxo
HEYYYY Michell! SO happy to connect again! (I hope you are doing GREAT my sweet friend!) You know, that’s my dream for and my girl- to one day be best friends when she’s older. I love that you have that kind of relationship with your daughter! Thanks so much for stopping by to visit. 🙂
What a change Chris! It’s a great step for all of you. And I am sure your daughter knows that she can count on you whenever she needs help for something or has questions.
It’s good to read you again.
May you have a lovely and wonderful Easter weekend!
Aw I do hope so, Marie! We are so very close, which is a HUGE blessing! I can only pray it continues through High School!
This was lovely Chris!
This age and stage is a scary one to be entering. My oldest just turned nine and is caring a lot more about appearances and such. A couple months ago, I discovered that she had cut off part of her eyebrow because she wasn’t happy with how busy it was. I realized that I need to gently teach her things like eyebrow maintenance and such. She’s ready… I’m not. I still see this chubby-cheeked baby and I can’t shake that image for the real image of a young preteen growing into a woman.
Oh and I hear you on the verbal snips. My youngest daughter unfortunately gets quite a bit of attitude from her. But I do appreciate the conversations of a more “serious” and “grown-up” nature. Hearing her view point on world events, her political thoughts, and her interpretations of the Bible blow me away.
Thanks for sharing.
xoxo
Ah, I loved reading your own experiences with our every changing and growing kiddos, Jennifer. “She’s ready… I’m not.” <--- I feel ya, girl. Sigh...
Oh the shifting. My little boy is shifting, too, sometimes, right before my eyes. Sigh. It’s beautiful and wonderful and also a little bit sad, you know? He’s going to be taller than I am by the time he’s in fifth grade, with the rate he’s growing now. Going to read your article now. LOVE YOU!
It’s incredible how fast they grow and shift RIGHT before our eyes, isn’t it? Your Tucker is getting SO BIG! Cade is almost as tall as me too. I doubt he’ll grow too tall (his dad isn’t tall) but omg I am freaking out over his growth!
Okay you did it again! I’m all choked up!! Aahhh you nailed the descrption of this transition with your children to the tee ..bringing me during to that ache I felt during those same stages. I don’t have a girl but I was right behind you looking in the mirror at your daughter’s transformation but most admiring your sweet sweet bond and a beautiful mom and daughter together finding new ways to navigate this new territory with love as a constant pillow. Teen yrs are oh so intense but you have raised a Godly girl which will be her foundation as she ventures into high school..and your foundation as she grows..this was utterly gorgeous. A keepsake. I love love the mascara title..????????????
AW you are SO kind to respond with such beautiful encouragement, Kathy! I can only pray our bond holds through high school and beyond! lol And she continues to shine her beautiful Godly light. <3
Hi Chris! Happy Easter to you and yours! May God bless you all abundantly, bringing you a year of favor from our generous God!
Blessings,
Ceil
Ceil, this was so sweet to read on Easter. Thank you, my friend. <3
“Oh that’s nice and bright.” LOL! Cassie sounds like such a hoot and the kind of friend I’d love for my girls to have. Congrats on another wonderful published piece at parent.co. Your beautiful, sweet words are rockin’ all over the publishing world these days. I was shocked to see my daughters eye lashes the first time she curled them and applied mascara too. It really transformed her into a teen and I was so taken off guard. I’m so happy to be back here with you today!
This was so sweet. What a tightrope of emotions we walk as we watch our kids move into this uncharted territory. You may have already seen/heard the song Slow Down by Nicole Nordeman. If not, hop on over to youtube to check it out. But make sure you have your waterproof mascara on!
Oooooh I will most definitely check it out, Stephanie! I’m sure I will sob like a baby…