Let me just start by saying that I’m extremely thankful to be a mom. Most days, I love it.
But gosh am I also thankful my kids are getting older each day.
Like other parents out there, I am constantly told to “enjoy these days, they’ll be gone before you know it” by well-intentioned friends, family, and random passer-bys.
But you know what? So far I haven’t felt like I’m missing the past.
I look back at old pictures and admit my kids look cute when they were young (and I had less gray hairs!), but I don’t want to go back to those days at all.
So yes, I’m thankful to be a mom. For all the wonderful experiences and moments that parenting brings. But I’m also incredibly happy my kids are getting older each day.
All the reasons why I’m thankful to be a mom of older kids
I LOVE that my kids are growing up.
It’s been a joy to watch them evolve from babies to tiny adults. To spread their wings and fly a little.
Here are just a few reasons why:
I’m thankful for… our conversations
My kids (currently ages 5 and 7) are the cutest little people. I adore talking to them – especially now that they’re old enough for real conversations.
My son has these deep thoughts about space, the environment, and our community. I love watching his brain turn and question the world around him. Of course he talks about farting too, those are conversations I could do without.
My daughter has confidence for days and I love it. She comes home and talks nonstop about her day, her friends, the bus ride, teachers, what she ate for lunch, and more.
Gone are the days where they cry and can’t communicate what’s wrong. Or when they’re frustrated because I can’t understand the words they are trying to say.
I’m thankful for… potty training
I do not miss the diaper stage one bit- the cost, the rashes, the messes, leaking, bleh!
And I’m also grateful that the potty training process is done. My kids are old enough now that if they have an accident, they get changed and put their soiled clothes in the hamper by themselves!
I’m grateful for increasing bathroom independence as well. That I don’t have to ask, “do you have to go potty?” every 15 minutes of the day. When someone has to go, they just go. And I have to wipe someone else’s butt less than twice a week, score!
I’m thankful for… seeing them reach milestones
I get so excited and feel thankful to be a mom when my kids reach new stages in their lives.
When they lose their first tooth, graduate from preschool, learn to tie their shoes, read their first book, ride their bike for the first time… I’m almost as proud and excited as they are!
Kids are so resilient and constantly surprising you. They learn things incredibly quickly and change so fast. Watching it unfold in front of you is nothing short of miraculous.
All of this is caused by them growing and getting older, a wonderful added benefit.
I’m thankful for… their independence
I am surprised on a daily basis at all of the things my kids can do by themselves now.
I swear one day you’re getting a wriggly baby into a onesie and the next they’re choosing outfits and getting dressed all on their own.
My kids can also now read themselves books, plant flowers, rolls sushi, complete art projects, and clean up after themselves (when they feel like it) – without needing any help from me.
And in the future they’ll take even more responsibilities away from me – talking to their teachers about school, packing their backpack, cooking dinner, etc.
Of course I’m still there to guide and support them if needed, but they cherish opportunities to do things independently.
It’s a huge blessing for me because I enjoy cheering for their successes. But also because it gives me more independence myself! I actually have some time to myself to do the laundry, watch Netflix, or even work on my blog.
I’m even thankful for… their outbursts
My kids are far from perfect. My son will turn angry at a moment’s notice and start to yell. My daughter will cry out and sob uncontrollably with the slightest insult.
Of course in the heat of the moment, these outbursts upset me. But the idea of them does not.
To me it shows me they are passionate humans who have strong opinions and aren’t afraid to stand up for themselves and what they believe in.
While I hope they learn to control their emotions a little better in the future, I hope they never lose that spirit.
But if I’m being honest, one of the other reasons I enjoy the outbursts is because it also reminds me they’re still growing and need their mom for guidance. Whether it be for anger management coaching, advice, or hugs.
And I’m thankful to be a mom who has grown as well
I am NOT the same mom that I was back in 2014 when I had my first baby. And I’m grateful for that.
That mom had a lot to learn. Heck, THIS mom still has a lot more to learn. But that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate how much I’ve grown.
I want to believe that today I’m, at least a little, less nervous about everything. I try to see the bigger picture and not sweat the small stuff.
That’s because I realize it’s okay to not always be perfect. My kids will always love me and know how deeply I care for them.
So there you have it, all the reasons why I’m thankful to be a mom of kids who are growing up at a perfect rate.
