My big boy turned 13 last week and this year he went off to high school. Things are changing around here. There’s been a noticeable shift in the dynamics of our house. The routine is different, his clothes are different, he wears the same size shoe as his Dad… actually everything just feels different around here. It’s similar to the shift I felt in the house when my baby finally went off to school. That was a new phase. Now having my eldest in high school it feels like we’ve entered another new phase.
I watched him walking amongst all the high school kids yesterday and I got a lump in my throat. He emerged from the school surrounded by kids who have jobs, facial hair, L-plates (!)… He was happy and confident, but it tugged at me because he’s becoming his own person. You know, like a big person who has friends I don’t know and conversations I’m not a part of? That’s not bad, just different.
Before I know it he will get a job and want to be with his girlfriend… He’s a bloody good kid though. One who makes me proud and laugh so hard.
For now, I just grab him when I can and sniff him. (Yes, I’m one of those mothers who sniff their kids.) You have to pick your moments though. Ha!
This past month I have suddenly become so aware of my household and what these changes mean. I still have 2 kids behind him who smooch me and brush my hair and let me lay in bed with them. It’s just that this big one seems so far in front of them suddenly. It feels like I am getting old.
Families are always changing aren’t they? How are the teenagers and pre-teens in your house (if you have them)? Do you feel like you’re on borrowed time with them?