Five years ago, I found myself on my therapist’s couch, overwhelmed and feeling like I was sinking. “I feel like I’m swimming as hard as I can, but I can’t keep my head above water,” I confessed. At the time, I was managing four children, each in a different school—this meant navigating four back-to-school nights, four sets of teacher meetings, and countless pick-up and drop-off schedules. To top it off, I had just started a full-time job from home and was embroiled in a particularly tumultuous divorce. Yikes.
I can only imagine how frazzled I looked, sitting there in my yoga pants, clutching one of her decorative pillows while sharing my struggles. In her calm, reassuring voice, she suggested I create a chart to visualize how my circumstances would evolve over the next five years. “You need to recognize that your life will become significantly easier,” she said gently.
Because I usually take her advice to heart, I went home and followed through. On paper, it became clear that in just five years, one child would be heading off to college, followed closely by another. My third would step into high school while my youngest would transition to middle school, just a short walk from our home. By the end of that timeframe, three kids would have their driver’s licenses, and my little one would be nearly 12. It did appear much simpler—and a bit distant too.
Well, here I am now, and let me tell you, life is so easy that it almost feels surreal. I didn’t even have to cook dinner last night! My daughter, now a senior, is often out working or hanging out with friends, while my youngest spends several days immersed in sports. Most of the time, it’s just me and my cat hanging out at home.
Five years ago, I would have never predicted such a drastic shift. Back then, I was juggling 60-hour work weeks, college applications, grocery shopping, laundry, and providing support for one of my more troubled kids. Now? I’m sipping wine and catching up on Scandal.
But here’s the kicker: things are only going to get busier. In five years, the only being needing my help will likely be my cat, assuming she’s still around. I’ll be celebrating three college graduates (fingers crossed), and my youngest will be a junior with a driver’s license. It’s mind-boggling to think my oldest will be turning 27. How is that even possible?
Unlike five years ago, when the thought of the future brought comfort, now it makes me feel a bit melancholic. I wish I could travel back in time. Sure, I don’t necessarily want to relive those days with three teenagers under one roof—talk about a wild ride! But back then, it felt like the chaos would never end. It seemed like I’d always be wiping faces and driving kids around. And now? Just like that, it’s over.
I know this sounds cliché, but time really does fly. One moment, you’re scattering Cheerios on a high chair tray, cooking mac-and-cheese, and the next, you’re enjoying a glass of wine instead of preparing dinner.
To all the moms out there feeling like they’re at the end of their rope, I understand your frustration. I get the complaints about bedtime and the declarations that you’re the “worst mom ever.” You may wish for the days when they’ll finally grow up and move out.
But trust me, someday you’ll long for those chaotic moments. You’ll miss the times they asked you to take them to Toys R Us or Game Stop. You’ll wish you could spend hours cooking a meal they’d declare disgusting, or hear them gripe about having to do anything at all. You really will—just like I do.
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Summary
Reflecting on the past five years, I’ve seen how drastically life can change. From the chaos of juggling multiple children’s schedules to enjoying newfound freedom, my journey has been one of both relief and nostalgia. While parenting can feel overwhelming, it’s essential to cherish those fleeting moments, as they will soon become precious memories.
Keyphrase: parenting reflections
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