That was so sweet to read! He sounds like an amazing guy, and he even looks just like you! As someone who wants to have kids, I'm curious, what is the hardest part about parenting?
Thank you. I find that so easy to answer. The hardest part is to back off and give them space. To not coddle them and let them make their own mistakes. It’s so vital that they have the ability to figure things out for themselves but the instinct to ‘helicopter parent’ is so strong.
I’m not quite there yet, as my oldest is merely nine but I don’t think you ever stop being a parent once you are one. It changes you on such a fundamental level that you never return to the person you were before (at least in my experience).
And don’t think that just because he doesn’t need you to change his diapers anymore means that he doesn’t need his father. You will never be obsolete to him (no matter how old he gets). I lost my mother two weeks before my twenty first birthday and even though I was independent at that age, I still wasn’t ready to lose her. She was my very best friend and I mourn her absence every day.
And yes, coming up on forty in about a month and it does feel like eighty at times 🤣
Mine is 28 now and I'm constantly asking myself "What was I doing at that age?". The answer is that I was flying to Manhattan to spend the next 24 years in America. We flew back home to England a couple of years so, in a sense, he is living my life in reverse.
It's my daughter's 24th tomorrow which is ridiculous and I can't imagine where the time has gone. When I was her age, I was moving into a flat in the East End of London and getting my first job in software engineering.
That was so sweet to read! He sounds like an amazing guy, and he even looks just like you! As someone who wants to have kids, I'm curious, what is the hardest part about parenting?
Thank you. I find that so easy to answer. The hardest part is to back off and give them space. To not coddle them and let them make their own mistakes. It’s so vital that they have the ability to figure things out for themselves but the instinct to ‘helicopter parent’ is so strong.
A gorgeous read and I can sense your immense level of pride. What a wonderful young man! Best wishes and new, exciting times ahead.
❤️ (had to put that emoji in; yours was such a heartwarming post).
Thank you. I was worried that I got too personal in the post but I figured ‘It’s my blog. Just be me’.
I understand. You did good in my opinion. I think so many will love and relate to your post.
What a beautiful tribute to your kiddo!
I’m not quite there yet, as my oldest is merely nine but I don’t think you ever stop being a parent once you are one. It changes you on such a fundamental level that you never return to the person you were before (at least in my experience).
And don’t think that just because he doesn’t need you to change his diapers anymore means that he doesn’t need his father. You will never be obsolete to him (no matter how old he gets). I lost my mother two weeks before my twenty first birthday and even though I was independent at that age, I still wasn’t ready to lose her. She was my very best friend and I mourn her absence every day.
And yes, coming up on forty in about a month and it does feel like eighty at times 🤣
Thank you. Yeah I know I'll always be his Dad but it still feels like the end of an era.
I hear you there. When my kiddos started school and have since been more and more independent my little mommy heart aches a bit.
It's a little disorienting when little ones grow up. I remember the feeling.
I discovered your work on notes and am enjoying your writing. Thanks.
Thank you. That means a lot....
🥺🥺 This is perfect. My oldest turned 21 this year, and the wth moment was insane.
Your kid sounds like he’s years above all of other kids his age. Well done, dad!
Thank you. Means a lot…
A lovely little bit of life story. Thank you!
Mine is 28 now and I'm constantly asking myself "What was I doing at that age?". The answer is that I was flying to Manhattan to spend the next 24 years in America. We flew back home to England a couple of years so, in a sense, he is living my life in reverse.
It's my daughter's 24th tomorrow which is ridiculous and I can't imagine where the time has gone. When I was her age, I was moving into a flat in the East End of London and getting my first job in software engineering.
I feel old.
Thanks for commenting. Yeah I feel that. Feeling like a fossil today...
Well, I can relate to a lot of what you said there. My son is now 28, I’ve made it to 63. Still wanting to write and learn more…
Thank you. Same here. I plan on writing everyday until I die. Maybe if I live to 100 I’ll be able to finish one book….