I am in the pocket of my parenting.
That beautiful place where I always thought I would love and where I always wanted to be.
The place where there are no toddlers and no teenagers. Where there are no diapers but no tampons either. Where the kids have their teeth, but they don’t have zits. Where everyone sleeps in their own bed, but no one has their own phone.
That place where my kids are independent enough but still need me every day. Where they are young enough to want kisses and hugs and snuggles, but old enough to buckle their own seatbelts. Where they can walk by themselves, but I can still carry them if I need to. The place where they can do their own homework, but I still understand their math if they need help.
The place where we can fit on a couch snuggled together reading books and where everyone is in bed by 9:00 PM, but no one is up in the middle of the night or up too early in the morning. Where popcorn and a movie at home on a Friday night are still considered fun. Where we can actually have some deep, important conversations about meaningful things in life, but where everyone is still equally entertained by an episode of Full House. Where the kids actually ask to hear stories about my life and where they want my advice and help.
Where problems aren’t too big and kids aren’t too small.
MY pocket of parenting. The place where I am most comfortable.
Babies weren’t my thing, but I survived and learned to love different parts of that phase. And when the time comes I will accept teenage life. Just like I made it through nursing and diapers and strollers and binkis, I will learn to love and appreciate my teenagers too and what that phase brings. But for now, I am right where I want to be.
I heard this quote from the finale of “The Office”: “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.”
Well, I know I am in the good old days. To be there is a blessing, and to know right where I am is a gift. I am going to slow down time and enjoy my summer (and the next year or two) in the pocket of parenting.
![I spoke in church today and said the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the greatest act of Charity. I read Moroni 7:45-47 to make my point. But wherever there was the word ‘Charity’ I substituted it out for ‘the Atonement of Jesus Christ.’ See if these scripture verses now have new meaning for you:
“And the Atonement of Jesus Christ suffererth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth in the truth,
[The Atonement of Jesus Christ] beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not the Atonement of Jesus Christ, ye are nothing, for the Atonement of Jesus Christ never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail-
But the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.”
So Easter really reminds us of love. The first and greatest commandment.](https://www.raisinglemons.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Beautiful!! You are a wonderful writer and this is a great sentiment! I have not quite reached that place yet, but I too am looking forward to it!
I understand 100%. I call it my sweet spot. I love that quote by good ‘ol Andy Bernard. I just wanted to add that I LOVE my teenager. I dropped him off at EFY on Monday and we’re missing him like crazy. We didn’t arrive here magically, it took some work, but I adore him. He makes our lives so much fun! Here’s to an awesome, SLOW summer!! 🙂
Beautifully put. YOu nailed every description. I’m looking forward to the day when I reach that sweet spot. I definitely noticed you had reached yours when I stopped by yesterday. And can I say that I’m a little jealous that you’re there and I’m not quite yet? 🙂
Oh my, as a non mother, this is great hope! To know there’s a sweet spot. I’m so pleased you’re in it!
My “sweet spot” was when my kids started to be able to stay home alone..without a babysitter. My husband and I could go and come as we pleased. Freedom! So, so nice.
BTW-I have always been worried about the teenager stage, but being here now, I LOVE it! Don’t get me wrong, it’s challenging too..but it’s so much more FUN than I ever thought it could be. I’m guessing you’ll love it too.
Just found you through PInterest. And I read your Pocket of Parenting …..that is me….love how you worded it so perfectly.