This resonated with me in so many ways, Cindy. The mixed feelings about saying goodbye to those tender, early years, but also the absolute joy and freedom of kids becoming independent and finding their way. I often marvel these days at how much I love being a parent to a 17 and 19 year old, and how I’m happier than ever being a mom now that the heavy lifting is behind me.
Thank you! I’m always a mess the last week of school even when they aren’t promoting! But I did okay yesterday. Tuesday I had what I call a walk-and-cry and got lots of the emotion out so I could just be joyful and present yesterday
Love the reflection in your post! My son completes 3rd grade this year. I’m on the side of motherhood where I look forward to him being more independent. He started the school year walking into the cafeteria on his own and wanting to walk home on extracurricular days. Then, got a giant dose of anxiety, which manifested as separation anxiety at school drop off, requiring me to wait for the bell (9am for his elementary school). Now he’s gaining confidence back, and it’s such a relief for me at drop off.
I’m also with you on “No to the PTA as a feminist act, naming that sometimes that PTA can feel like more exploitation of women’s free labor).” I work full time and generally my job is high stress. I take on some activities throughout the year, but will not take time away from myself and my son to be super involved.
Oh man, the regression is hard but yes more independence is coming! It is so cool to see them to be able to manage more on their own even as you remember those days when they needed to hold your hand for everything!
This resonated with me in so many ways, Cindy. The mixed feelings about saying goodbye to those tender, early years, but also the absolute joy and freedom of kids becoming independent and finding their way. I often marvel these days at how much I love being a parent to a 17 and 19 year old, and how I’m happier than ever being a mom now that the heavy lifting is behind me.
Thank you! Yes the heavy lifting. It feels so different when they are older and more independent!
Us too at the end of June, although slightly different with primary school going a year longer. It's been complicated as you capture so well.
I love this. Transitions are so complex and full of mixed feelings: gratitude, hope, excitement, grief, longings. You captured this so well!
Thank you! I’m always a mess the last week of school even when they aren’t promoting! But I did okay yesterday. Tuesday I had what I call a walk-and-cry and got lots of the emotion out so I could just be joyful and present yesterday
Walks are so perfect for that!
T_T teary just imagining this in my not so distant future, and also buoyed by all the benefits you describe...!
My youngest just finished elementary this year too and I’m mostly feeling relief to be free of a lot of the things you’ve touched on here.
Love the reflection in your post! My son completes 3rd grade this year. I’m on the side of motherhood where I look forward to him being more independent. He started the school year walking into the cafeteria on his own and wanting to walk home on extracurricular days. Then, got a giant dose of anxiety, which manifested as separation anxiety at school drop off, requiring me to wait for the bell (9am for his elementary school). Now he’s gaining confidence back, and it’s such a relief for me at drop off.
I’m also with you on “No to the PTA as a feminist act, naming that sometimes that PTA can feel like more exploitation of women’s free labor).” I work full time and generally my job is high stress. I take on some activities throughout the year, but will not take time away from myself and my son to be super involved.
Oh man, the regression is hard but yes more independence is coming! It is so cool to see them to be able to manage more on their own even as you remember those days when they needed to hold your hand for everything!