Today, I need a moment....

Today my BABY turned 15. Who's with me when I say, I need a minute!? Where did the time go? It was just yesterday that I was sleep deprived (well, I still am for much different reasons... thanks perimenopause!!) and snuggling with my sweet baby. Now they are 15!! They will be driving my car for me next week. OOOooof. I need a minute...

When you realize your oldest will be driving you soon!

Even though those baby, toddler and adolescent years were so magical... well frustratingly magical, I can't WAIT to watch my oldest become the human they are about to become. If we all stop a moment, trust the process of getting older and just watch... you'll be surprised. If we stop parenting for one second, talk to our kids like we talk to other adults, I bet they'll surprise you. For example, we went to the store the other day to get a few things they wanted. I checked out my things, and they checked out what they bought. (Yes, they have money now, another perk!... hello summer work!). After I was finished going through my line, I stood back, waited, and observed. I didn't instruct or talk, just watched. When they were done paying, they said to the clerk, "Thank you, have a nice day!". I was so pleased with that little phrase right there. I was a little shocked, too, but mostly so damn proud. If there's anything I want to teach, it's just to be kind where you can. When you get the chance to stand back and see your kids be kind like that all on their own, it's such a heart warming thing.

We spend way too much time trying to guide, teach, and talk to our kids. One lesson I've taught myself that has taken me A LONG way, especially with my teenager, is to just talk WITH them. Now, most days you get more of a mumble, a grunt, or absolutely nothing, but that time when you catch them with a conversation, it'll change your day around. My baby has just about four more years at our home before they are out there in the world, I am going to try my hardest to have those conversations, vs telling them what I want or expect. And above all, I am going to try and lead by example. I'll say "thank you", "I'll say have a nice day", and hopefully that kindness will continue through my kids, too.