Our teenage daughters had a friend stop over after school. She stared open-mouthed as I made a huge fruit and cheese plate as a snack, and then chatted and laughed with my girls as I prepared dinner. During a lull in the conversation, she quietly said “Is your house like this every day? Like, you’re home and make the girls snacks and food and catch up with them? I don’t think my mom has ever been home after school, and I can’t remember the last time she prepared or ate dinner with me.” She just looked so sad, Dr. Laura, and my heart went out to her. She is smart, kind, and funny. Not only is she missing out on the parenting front, but her mom is missing out on her.
So, for those listeners who think their kids don’t need them when they’re older, they’re so wrong! When my youngest goes off to college, I will miss these spontaneous magic moments of togetherness.
As my daughters’ friend was walking out the door, she paused, turned back to me, and said “Someday, I’m going to be a mom just like you.”
Tania
Older Kids Need Their Moms Too
