Comments on: A parenting milestone

By: baby bassinets

baby bassinets — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:21:23 +0000

This is all a part of trying to let go and let them become young adults. This is not meant to be easy at all. You are doing your best and your reactions are normal and human.

By: Rhonda

Rhonda — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:01:45 +0000

Whew. I was at home with the girls fighting one illness or the other, so I missed this, but I wanted to add I’m very proud of you for making it through this step. TK is a great kid and this was a big step for you both. Maybe it’ll get a little easier. It drive me crazy when the oldest walks an aisle over in the store or a few bleachers down at ballgame!

By: Natalie J. Damschroder

Natalie J. Damschroder — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:48:12 +0000

Since my oldest is the same age, I get where you’re coming from. It’s easy enough to tell ourselves to trust that we raised them right, and smart, and competent…but it’s not always about THEM, it’s about what else is out there in the world. It’s not being in control. The consequences of OUR choices, not necessarily theirs. It’s so hard to find that balance between overfreedom and overprotection.

But you’re doing great, Shannon, and you’re going to have awesome grown-up children when you’re “done.”

By: Jaci Burton

Jaci Burton — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:23:48 +0000

The best gift you can bestow on your children is the feeling of independence. It will serve him well into adulthood.

The more trust you have in him to do all the right things and make all the right choices when he’s not with you, the more trust he’ll have in himself, which is vital for later decision making as he goes out in the world.

It’s hard to let go, Mom, but necessary. *kisses*

By: Shannon

Shannon — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:41:39 +0000

We survived.

Actually, I survived and he had a great time. They didn’t eat or drink anything, but I’ve been told it’s not because Mommy wasn’t there to order it, but because his friend has to keep his weight down for wrestling.

I do think I’ve raised them right, but TK’s not socially…adept. It probably would have been easier for me to drop SK off and leave him.

Now we’ll have to do it regularly so he can build up his skills.

By: Michelle (MG) Braden

Michelle (MG) Braden — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 06:15:52 +0000

I wrote a bunch of stuff here, but decided the main thing I wanted to tell you is… I totally understand. Totally. Thankfully my #1 child is only 10. But every day he pulls a little harder on the reigns. Big hugs to you.

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:34:37 +0000

It is hard, I agree. But you have to trust that you’ve done a great job teaching them the important things, and that they are good kids and have actually listened (at least some of the time, LOL). And it helps that you like and trust his friends. I don’t think I could let my kids do half the things they do if I didn’t like their friends.

We’re dealing with this for kid #2 now. Kid #1 has moved on to things like TPing his buddies (he asked permission the first time, LMAO!) and going to the movies every weekend night, coming home or calling by his 11:00 curfew. Ack!.

By: Karen Templeton

Karen Templeton — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 22:05:07 +0000

Shan, honey…TK’s not a little boy anymore. In any sense of the word. And it’s not as if you let him and his buddy hitch to the movies or anything.

‘Course, I’m currently watching my 5th birdie spread his wings, and this is your first. Me, I’m like, “Go! Fly, for godssake! Just keep me posted!” But for the first…it’s hard, I know. Even so, sounds to me like you’re raising a smart, responsible kiddo who’s not gonna do something dumb.

At least, not for a few years yet.

Hugs, Mama.

By: Melani Blazer

Melani Blazer — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:51:21 +0000

Here’s my two cents, which may or may not be needed here.

It gets easier to let them go. You have to be confident you’ve taught them how to handle situations, how to react and what’s expected of them. I’m also a big, big preacher in the “consider the consequences” church. That said, I realize Goose will not be under my wing forever (she’s only there half the time now!) and I remind myself that she needs to experience things on her own so she can be prepared to take on the big bad world when the time comes. While I want her to come back and go “Mom, what do I do?” and get my opinion, I don’t want her to NEED me to answer that every time. Does that make sense?

You’ve raised a couple of great boys, Shan.

By: Charlene

Charlene — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 17:47:14 +0000

There are enough kids that go missing or come to harm in every community. Being careful and knowing where your kids are is just a fact of life. But it sounds like he’s starting to fly solo in a very safe and supervised way. Good balance.