Is there a magical age where you don’t have to worry about school age children and suddenly they look after themselves? Year 5? Year 7? Year 12?
If you know please tell me because I think I missed the memo.
There seems to be this idea that child-rearing is really only intense in the baby to pre-school years. That mums need the most support and understanding when they have babies or toddlers or little people who have the ability to pour tins of paint over their own heads.
I have friends with young kids and I work with women with younger children than mine and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard a version of, “I can’t wait to get to your stage where it’s not so full on and you get some freedom.”
What is this freedom they speak of? How have I given the impression that my day involves getting up, singing to bluebirds on an ivy strewn balcony and floating to work in an ironic 50s floral dress confident in the knowledge my work day will not be disrupted by one of children’s sudden urgent needs?
THAT’S NOT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN KIDS GROW UP.
Yes, there isn’t the same physical impact on your life, but the mental one takes up a lot of bloody space. Think of all the mischief little ones can get into in your own home, then imagine flinging them out into the complicated big wide world. A world you have little control over. A world that has it’s own set of rules. A world that doesn’t care about your logic or love. It’s scary.
(Plus, arguing with myself on the above point re: the sleep deprivation from parenting young kids – I may not have broken sleep or have to get up at 5am with a baby anymore, but I have to wait up very late for a teenager who has gone out to a party or concert or Netflix binge with friends. I may pretend to sleep until she comes home. I have tried to fall asleep, but I simply cannot until I hear that front door squeak open. AND if I’m not waiting for that beautiful squeak noise and pretending not to be waiting, I have to pick said teen up sometimes, heading off very late with no bra and in an outfit that inevitably is finished off with inappropriate footwear.)
Top Comments
Yep, I have four aged 18, 15, 13 and 10 and I hate to tell you this but the older they get, the tougher it becomes! The life of an adolescent/young adult is seriously complex, and needs constant parental support to navigate successfully. My eldest is doing VCE this year, so we have found a whole new stress level we didn't know existed! Free time?!..Pfftt...what's that?!
Yes! Couldn't agree more. Physically they are easier (toileting, feeding, mischief) , but when they get older the real parenting begins! I feel more tired now than I did when they were babies/toddlers. Plus I work more. Before they are at school the days are all yours, no timetable to adhere to, I really miss it.