Parenting

Friday, July 3, 2009

One Day My Babies Will Be Men?

Today I had lunch with a dear friend who happens to be 20 years older than I am. She has a son who is 22-years-old. (My boys are 4-years-old and 1-year-old.) She is completely beside herself because her son wants to drop out of college with one year left to go. Her son is dating a girl that might not be right for him and he's working as a waiter and......

My mind wandered. Holy crap! I can't even imagine a life without diapers. How in the world will I manage as a mom of two GROWN MEN? (Heart rate increasing. Stress surging through body.) They will have to look both ways before crossing the street without me there to remind them. They will have to decipher when it's okay to speak to a stranger and when it's not. They will have to learn how to take care of themselves and make sure they don't walk around reeking of BO. They will have to figure out how to date women and live with a broken heart. (Feeling dizzy. Scanning room for wine or chocolate.)

I'm not ready! Which begs the question, will I ever be ready? My stress revolves around who needs a snack, who took a nap, who needs bigger pajamas and who hasn't pooped yet today. It's baby stuff in a baby life.

Adult stuff in an adult life seems way too scary to handle. I'm stressed out with babies. Will I simply go insane as they get older? Should I just plan on committing myself to a padded room when they turn 17? I like to think of myself as a cool mom who freaks out when necessary, but never resorts to micro-parenting. Will I most certainly lose my cool and become that overbearing worried mom that my boys will roll their eyes at when I try to "have a moment" with them? Or beg for a hug. Wow, begging for affection. Will my world of constant little hugs, baby tooth smiles, mouse noses, and "I wuv you, mommy" come crashing down?

Never mind. I'm pretty sure I know the answer. Tell MommyQ what you think.

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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 15
  • HotCrossBuns's Avatar
    Posted by HotCrossBuns Thu Dec 4, 2008 11:25am PST

    They'll always be your babies, and as long as you teach them well in these years, they'll carry on well into the next. And my 33 year old husband still tells his "mommy" he loves her, so there is hope for your boys.

    I always tell my son (who is now 6) that "his wife will thank me someday" whenever I teach him to do the dishes properly or have him cook with me. He giggles now, but little does he know I'm serious! hehe

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  • chinaeyes014's Avatar
    Posted by chinaeyes014 Thu Dec 4, 2008 12:00pm PST

    I have two boys and the thought of them one day becoming men takes me to another level i'm not ready for. so any chance i get, i pray for them while they're on their way to becoming men and I take one day at a time with the stages they're in now, ages 5 and 2.

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  • Barbie's Avatar
    Posted by Barbie Thu Dec 4, 2008 12:17pm PST

    awww! It has popped in my head a few times that before I know it my cute little 5 month old son will be a man. But I am trying to snuggle and kiss his little cheeks now so when he grows up...I will have all the memories!

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  • mygirl's Avatar
    Posted by mygirl Thu Dec 4, 2008 12:38pm PST

    I can relate all too well. I have four boys and one girl. My oldest is only eleven but I have caught myself worrying about driving, dating and college already. As if the day to day things aren't enough to worry about...are they eating right, doing well at school, making good choices when they aren't in our presence, etc. I too like to think that I choose the right moments to freak out, but all of those unknowns with the millions of possible outcomes are a lot to absorb. With that being said, I try to remind myself that I am teaching them the best I can for now. They are listening and will eventually live and learn on their own, mistakes and all. We all went through it and survived. They will too. In the meantime, I soak up every hug and kiss I can(just in case they ever get too old for that lol).

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  • gwenddyn's Avatar
    Posted by gwenddyn Thu Dec 4, 2008 1:12pm PST

    mamma;s dont let your babies grow up to be cowboys. imagine that in a few years, you will be a grandma! so, invest the time well so you will have grandbabies and watch your kids grow up all over again.

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  • MochaMama42's Avatar
    Posted by MochaMama42 Thu Dec 4, 2008 1:48pm PST

    My son is 12, so I can relate to what you are going through.

    Really, I agree with HotCrossBuns, what you do now is set the stage for your son to grow and discover and explore his world and you are there for him for support.

    I'm sure your friend who is dealing with the issues of her 22 year old probably wasn't planning on him wanting to quit school, etc, however, I've heard from friends that it can happen - - so , they are still our children and we still love them. Sometimes, we don't agree with them.

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  • tnswojo's Avatar
    Posted by tnswojo Thu Dec 4, 2008 3:00pm PST

    I am a mother of 3 a 2year old, 11, and 18 so there is a huge age diffence one is dependant on my the other 2 are growing so fast. You need to cherish the years and realize yes they are going to grow up and not need mom. But you need to instill good values. My kids are mommys boys and always will be hang in there

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  • jojo45's Avatar
    Posted by jojo45 Thu Dec 4, 2008 5:14pm PST

    I have a 22 year old son also, and a 20 year old daughter and a 12 year old son. Believe me no kids are perfect!!! Even if you want to believe it, they will not allways make the wisest choices and as a parent it is very hard!! But the possitives are worth it! Like for instance my son did very well in school, won many awards in sports, was our Badger State Boy , made his Eagle Scout and many other things! He decided to go into the Navy Reserves and is coming home tomorrow!!! He will then begin his senior year in college (a semester late) get his physcology degree next Dec. and hopefully go to officers school! As a parent you hope they make all the right decisions ,you stand behind them , give them your opions and then pray!!! There were many things he did that were not good choices along the way ,(I have grey hair to show and alot of stressful nights, but that what parents are for! You raise them with good morals , to be kind and considerate,spend alot of time with them when they are growing up and then watch them turn intIo a handsome, adult that you can hopefully be proud of!!!! I could write a book and didnt even touch on the other two kids but hopefully this helps all you younger parents understand!!!

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  • Reminiscing Mom's Avatar
    Posted by Reminiscing Mom Thu Dec 4, 2008 8:42pm PST

    My son(stepson) of 22 just married this weekend... I think back of the times when i met his father and became very attached to now our kids... I have another son( stepson) who is also 18 and a daughter(stepdaughter) 15.... My son who is only 12, is growing fast before my eyes. I believe thier is no mother out ever realy ready for the changes that lie ahead...My son in the 6th grade started shying away from being hugged in front of his friends, while being dropped off at school... Imagine my agony, I have realized crying about it is actually selfish on our part as parents... We as parents have to trust our kids to make the right decisions, and that can only be done with love and guidance of thier parents or guardians.... While letting go is not easy, its fun to watch the changes that go through them, physically and mentally.. Im not saying its not a challenge, cause god knows it is... But tune into your little men, you as parents will learn things about them daily that

    may just make you smile, and at times cry. Going back to my 22 year old, being there at his wedding was one of my happiest days to be able to enjoy thier special day as they become 1....But boy did it make me think of how much he has grown.. And although there will be many dissapointments in his life, it will make him stronger as a person...So dont be so worried, just enjoy it....

    Report Abuse
  • Reminiscing Mom's Avatar
    Posted by Reminiscing Mom Thu Dec 4, 2008 8:42pm PST

    My son(stepson) of 22 just married this weekend... I think back of the times when i met his father and became very attached to now our kids... I have another son( stepson) who is also 18 and a daughter(stepdaughter) 15.... My son who is only 12, is growing fast before my eyes. I believe thier is no mother out ever realy ready for the changes that lie ahead...My son in the 6th grade started shying away from being hugged in front of his friends, while being dropped off at school... Imagine my agony, I have realized crying about it is actually selfish on our part as parents... We as parents have to trust our kids to make the right decisions, and that can only be done with love and guidance of thier parents or guardians.... While letting go is not easy, its fun to watch the changes that go through them, physically and mentally.. Im not saying its not a challenge, cause god knows it is... But tune into your little men, you as parents will learn things about them daily that

    may just make you smile, and at times cry. Going back to my 22 year old, being there at his wedding was one of my happiest days to be able to enjoy thier special day as they become 1....But boy did it make me think of how much he has grown.. And although there will be many dissapointments in his life, it will make him stronger as a person...So dont be so worried, just enjoy it....

    Report Abuse
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