The first several years you are just trying to keep them alive and teaching them to communicate. At some point you notice the conversation becomes less parent and more friend. You feel proud and a little sad as you are excited for them advancing but they are not little little anymore.
I do really love the way toddlers view the world. Everything can be super exciting, the best part of the day can be dandelions and counting stop signs.
This is why I fucking love being a parent to teenagers. The potato stage was NOT for me, they drive you crazy wanting to breastfeed all the time, crying about everything, and never ever sleeping. Sheer unremitting drudgery, intoxicating baby smells notwithstanding.
Every minute since they became actual humans capable of telling me what's up (i.e since about age 4-5), has been a precious blessing and a miracle. It just gets better and better. One kid has now launched and dear god I feel lucky to know that delightful human being.
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u/davo619 7h ago
The first several years you are just trying to keep them alive and teaching them to communicate. At some point you notice the conversation becomes less parent and more friend. You feel proud and a little sad as you are excited for them advancing but they are not little little anymore.