For a decade, my life revolved around the cycles of pregnancy and nursing. During that time, I was never without a child—whether it was a baby nestled in my arms or a toddler clinging to my side. I spent countless hours changing diapers, reading bedtime stories, fending off imaginary monsters, and cutting grapes in half to avoid choking hazards. Then, just like that, I blinked and my children were no longer little.
The shift from babyhood to childhood happened so gradually that I hardly noticed it. I can’t pinpoint the last time I nursed my youngest, nor can I recall celebrating my final diaper change. It’s strange; I used to leave stores with a sigh of relief after not having to buy diapers anymore.
Now, every shoe in my home either fits me perfectly or is too large. Gone are the days of nursing bras, and each morning, it’s just my partner and I in our bed. These transitions have been so smooth that I’ve adjusted quite well to life without toddlers. I may miss cuddling small bodies, but I enjoy borrowing my daughters’ shoes and staying up late watching our favorite shows on Netflix.
Habits to Abandon
However, there are some habits I need to abandon now that my kids are older:
- Eating Off Their Plates: In those chaotic days when my lunch consisted of leftover mac and cheese, finishing off my kids’ meals was a necessity. Now, it feels unnecessary—and a bit unappetizing—to eat their leftovers.
- Wearing Worn-Out Pajamas: When I was nursing and dealing with messy toddlers, it made sense to lounge in old yoga pants and T-shirts. But with my kids now older and more self-sufficient, I can finally ditch the ratty sleepwear and return to my pre-motherhood style.
- Leaving Space in Bed: For years, our bed was shared with little ones who often found their way in during the night, so we kept one side open. Now that it’s just the two of us, we still sleep next to each other, but perhaps it’s time to spread out a little.
- Listening to Kids’ Music in the Car: My car rides used to be filled with soundtracks from children’s shows and bands. Thankfully, I can now switch to NPR without fear of someone throwing a tantrum in the backseat.
- Hiding Vegetables: For years, I’ve been slyly adding spinach and other veggies into our meals. But it’s time to stop this charade; they’re old enough to handle their greens without disguises.
- Frustrated by Their Help: My children often struggle with simple tasks, leading me to exclaim, “Never mind, I’ll do it myself!” But they’re capable of more than I give them credit for. I need to step back and allow them to learn and grow.
Amid these changes, one thing remains unchanged: my awe for my children. Even though they no longer possess the sweet scents of babyhood, they still captivate me. I thought I would eventually stop wanting to scoop them up and shower them with affection, but that desire persists. While I do miss their early years, being their mother now is just as enchanting.
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In summary, adjusting to life with older children means letting go of certain habits while still cherishing the magical moments they bring.
Keyphrase: Parenting adjustments after kids grow
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