My phases of parenthood

The teens are gone for the week.  Yippie!  A mother who just had a child, most likely their first, (probably) wouldn't know the joy I'm feeling.  When a woman has a child, she loves her child unconditionally and can never think of a moment when she would want someone to take her child for even an hour.

When said child turns about one, she may like to have a nap, so she wouldn't mind someone taking her child for a few hours so she can catch up on some sleep.  About two years of age means an afternoon alone would be great.  Around five, it would be nice to have an entire day, but no sleepovers yet!  Eight years old, sleep overs are okay, but you, mom, need to hear from said child when they wake up in the  morning to see how the night went.  Ten, sleepovers are okay and you'll pick said child up in the afternoon, not the morning.

Twelve and you want to know all said child's friends because in elementary school you knew everyone.  Thirteen you begin to worry about children of the opposite sex especially when said child wants to wear perfume/cologne.   When high school starts you worry because you wonder if said child will be teased by the upperclassmen.  Fifteen you pull out your hair because said child will be driving soon.

That's the furthest I can go.  My "said child(ren)" are thirteen and fourteen and I love them more than they will ever know.  But it's nice to have a break.  One thought I've been having lately is, my oldest is going to tenth grade.  So that means two more years until college.  I realize, I have to let go a little more so this said child, will be prepared to be parent-less in college.  Life lessons are important now, while I am available to help and talk through it.  Not when said child is alone.