Your child may seem like a bundle of joy right now. Just look at that adorable smile as she gazes up at you, or the way she clings to you at preschool drop-off. It’s heartwarming to see her seeking your approval while she colors, and those sweet kisses she blows goodbye when you and your partner head out for a date night are simply delightful.
But let me give you a dose of reality: that loving, cuddly child will eventually grow up and may turn on you. It sneaks up on you, like a sudden thunderstorm on a clear day. The same child who once idolized you will soon be rolling her eyes and telling you to “get lost.” I speak from experience; the transition into the tween and teen years can be a rude awakening.
I look back at old photos and remember the pure joy my sons had when I took them to that quirky diner where food is delivered by a tiny train. They used to hang on my every word, especially when I recounted the story of my brother shooting me in the knee with an arrow. Their laughter filled the room as they delighted in the Easter bunny tracks I painstakingly created. Back then, I was the star of the show—no one could do any wrong in their eyes.
But by the time they hit 12, my reign as the family rock star came crashing down. No one prepares you for this shift as a parent. It’s like being hit by a microburst, leaving emotional debris in its wake. The stories that once had them in stitches are now met with “Mom, I’ve heard that one a million times.” Your wise advice on school, friendships, and life is dismissed with a huffy “you just don’t understand,” despite having navigated those same waters yourself. Praise that once sparked joy now gets shrugged off with “whatever.”
And things don’t get any easier as they enter their teen years, I’m sorry to say. The unkindness can be overwhelming. No one warns you that each dismissive comment about your outfit or each harsh word when they tell you to mind your own business will leave a bruise on your heart. You’d never expect to shed tears when your child calls you names over something as trivial as a broken phone screen.
Child development experts explain that this behavior is a normal part of growing up, a way for tweens to start asserting their independence. While every parent wishes for their children to become self-sufficient, must it come at the cost of so much heartbreak?
Older friends and family assure me that things eventually get better. A friend recounted how he was taken aback when his son sought his advice on a house purchase. Another shared her surprise when her daughter asked for feedback on a college paper. I often think about how I will faint from joy the day my sons come to me for guidance.
So, to the parents of babies and toddlers, cherish these moments of love while they last. In a few years, you might find yourself in a different role—either a nerdy figure or worse, a complete outsider.
You’ve been forewarned. You’re welcome. For more insights, check out this post on home insemination here. If you’re interested in learning more about the process, make sure to visit this resource which is excellent for anyone exploring pregnancy options. And if you’re looking for specialized kits, you can find them here.
In summary, enjoy those tender moments while they last, because the tumultuous road of parenting is just around the corner.