For more than a decade, I was either pregnant or nursing. My days were filled with little ones—either in my arms or clinging to my leg. I spent years changing diapers, reading stories before bed, fending off imaginary monsters, and cutting grapes in half to prevent choking.
Then, in what felt like an instant, my kids grew up.
Honestly, I can’t pinpoint when it happened. I don’t remember the last time I nursed my youngest or celebrated the end of diaper duty. I don’t recall leaving the store with some extra cash because I no longer needed to buy diapers.
Now, every pair of shoes in my house either fits me perfectly or is too large. The bras I own no longer have flaps, and every morning my husband and I wake up as the only two people in our bed.
The smoothness of this transition indicates that I’ve adjusted fairly well to life without toddlers. I miss nibbling on tiny toes, but I enjoy borrowing my daughters’ fashionable shoes. I miss rocking babies to sleep, but I relish staying up late with my kids watching our favorite shows. I miss those sticky kisses and jelly-faced grins, but overall, I think I’m managing just fine. Still, there are some habits I should consider dropping now that my kids are older:
1. Finishing Their Leftovers
Back in the days when my lunch consisted of cold mac and cheese while cleaning up, eating off my kids’ plates was a survival tactic. Now, it feels unnecessary and a bit unappealing to finish off their leftover pasta or take a bite of their discarded pizza crust.
2. Wearing Worn-Out Pajamas
During my nursing years and early mornings with a messy toddler, it made sense to lounge in yoga pants and an old T-shirt. Those days are behind me. I’m no longer leaking milk, and I don’t have to worry about a toddler spitting up on me. I’m sure my husband would appreciate if I returned to my pre-baby sleepwear.
3. Leaving Space in the Bed
After years of co-sleeping with kids, my husband and I still leave half the bed empty for potential nighttime visitors. But now that no one is coming, it’s time to take up the entire bed. On second thought, maybe we should keep sleeping close together.
4. Listening to Kids’ Music in the Car
When my first child was born, the soothing sounds of musicals filled our car. With each subsequent kid, we cycled through various children’s music. Thankfully, those days are behind me. Now, I can finally switch to NPR without facing a revolt in the backseat.
5. Sneaking Veggies into Meals
For years, I’ve been an expert at hiding vegetables in pasta sauces, smoothies, and even brownies. But news flash! That’s not seasoning; it’s spinach. It always has been spinach, kids.
6. Giving Up Too Easily
I often find myself saying, “Forget it! I’ll just do it myself!” when my kids struggle with simple tasks like loading the dishwasher or putting sheets on their beds. My kids are capable and old enough to take on these responsibilities; I just need to step back and let them try.
Despite these habits I should change, one thing I can’t help but do is marvel at my children.
I used to watch them sleep, feeling overwhelmed with love and the desire to give them everything wonderful in life. I would kiss their chubby cheeks and feel in awe of the little miracles beside me. Their giggles were music, and I cherished every moment.
Surprisingly, they still take my breath away even now.
They may not smell like baby soap anymore, and their faces don’t light up the same way when I enter a room, but I still find them incredible. I thought I would eventually tire of wanting to hug and kiss them, but here I am, still captivated. Most days I hold back, but I’m not done yet.
I knew I would miss my little ones, but I didn’t realize that having older kids could be just as enchanting. Yes, there are a few habits I need to drop now that my kids are older, but the wonder I feel for them remains unchanged.
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Summary:
As children grow, it’s essential for parents to adapt their habits. From finishing kids’ leftovers to sneaking veggies in meals, there are several things I need to let go of. However, one thing remains constant: my awe for my children. The transition from little ones to big kids may bring changes, but the love and admiration I feel for them are just as strong.