Enjoy Them While They're Young; Cherish Them When They're Older

So often you hear this: “Enjoy them while they are young as they grow up so fast."

When you are in the midst of colic and teething and sleepless nights with an infant, it seems kids can’t grow up fast enough. Time seems to stand still.

Yet, suddenly they become a teenager or they are starting high school or going off to college and you start to think: “Where did the time go?” When did your child go from a cute little infant and toddler to a teen?  What was the defining moment for this transition?  

When my son became a teen it was clear from the moodiness, long hours locked away in his room or in the basement "man cave." Less desire to be with his younger brother and would often complain “he’s driving me crazy.” They used to get along so well. Beyond the moodiness evolved a deeper level of empathy. He would hear a noise and say “Mom, are you alright?” Or I would bring in the grocery bags and he would help me with them without me having to ask. Or, I would give him a chore to do and he would do it without the usual moan and groan. He has become physically strong and capable. All of a sudden there was another person here and not just a boy. He was growing up with a new awareness of the world around him and becoming part of it. He collected a great group of friends. He is doing all his homework and handling his school responsibilities without me even knowing about it. Other parents would mention a social studies project or English assignment and I wasn’t aware of the project. 

A part of me is so proud of a young man taking on all his responsibilities and yet, another part of me is feeling left out.