What’s something you believe everyone should know?

As a young woman, I knew it was my calling to be a mom. I wanted a baby so bad, and got pregnant at 20. I was thrilled! My pregnancy was easy, my 1st baby was wonderful, and within a year I knew I wanted another. I wanted to give him a brother. And so I did it all over again. And then had a third. I knew I was done at that time, but I loved those early years of motherhood. My sweet babies, my beautiful family. My heart was full.

As the years passed I got to see all their first steps, birthday cakes, holiday gifts, lost teeth, school concerts, soccer games, scouts activities, school dances and sooooo much more that fills up life. All the good, all the bad, and every moment in between. Even though I got lost in daily stress sometimes, I still look back upon those times with so much love and appreciation. Mom guilt at well, as I look back with more wisdom and see the errors in some of my decisions. But overall I love the life we had.

But here’s something young and new parents don’t think ahead to very often, I feel. Parenting doesn’t stop when your kids turn 18. And to answer the prompt, that’s what everyone needs to know.

Every child develops differently and on their own timeline. Some may need longer to leave the nest, some may need extra help. Some may need your help once they’re on their own. And occasionally they will need to come back to get on their feet again.

My 3 adult children are now 23, 21, and 20, and I am in constant contact with them all, helping them all in one way or another at least weekly if not more often. I love that I’m still important in their lives. There are times it can get quite demanding – especially if they all need something at the same time. But of course I do everything I possibly can to guide them through rough times and make sure they have what they need. I encourage them in good times and let them know I’m proud of them. And I do my best to show them how important and loved they are always. That love and support will never end as long as I’m alive.

And through all my mistakes and victories as a parent, I am taking those lessons and doing my very best to raise Felix with more wisdom and understanding. Though he’s a very different child than any of my other three were when they were little, the lessons still apply.

Parenting is a lifelong journey. It is one that has brought so much depth, love and meaning to my life. I can genuinely say I don’t know where I would be today without my kids in my life. They are the best decision I ever made!