I'm just curious since I am the single parent of one 4yr boy. He just started preschool this year, and it's at the same school he'll be going to kindergarten--same schedule and everything. While it was hard sending him off to school, I am so surprised how great it is not to have a little baby anymore. Now we can just jump into the car & go somewhere without carrying a bunch of luggage (diaper bag, stroller, snacks, change of clothes, etc.).

So do things generally get easier as they get older? Or am I in for a reality check like when he was a baby? Nobody said how hard that would be...

Ummmm no Noana it doesn't get easier lol. But then again depends on the child. hehe

Noana,

Things did get easier for me but, different issues come up.
When I graduated from the awful mommie purse to a normal size purse it was cause for celebration. No more strollers, diaper bags and such, was great. I still find my self carrying snacks and hand wipes everywhere for both of us....lol. Oh and now I find the hand held game system in my purse instead .. I bought her a purse. Now if I can just get her not to forget it somewhere.

Less stuff to carry yes.The challanges become different.Watching them make choices,choose friends.Easier no the letting go as they get older is hard.

I found it got easier as he go older. My son is now 8yrs and can tell me that his belly hurts. That he is hungry, ECT... But like CA said other things come up. For example he is going thru a stage where lazness is a dalily habit for him now. Oh yea running my life and being nosy about everything little thing I do. Right now he is going thru that it's all about me and I can do what I want stage. I guess I would say the additude crap starts. It does even out after a while. If you can get thru the stages of self centerness that you will be ok. LOL

SPIRIT

well, they can communicate, but sometimes its not what you want to hear, and rarly do they tell you what you need to know. I can go out if I want cause they are older, lol, I just find I don't have anywhere to go. Praise the design I have girls, cause if I had boys I would probly be boxing them, now I just have to look threatoning to any guys who gets near. Corse you get to look forward to cars, and insurence. I sometime wonder if have a defenceless child isn't better. peace

Funny, I don't have to carry a diaper bag anymore, but whenever we go out, usually shopping, somehow I end up carrying everything, including their purses (I have 2 teen-aged girls). They want to be independent and then somehow they still want you to be "mommy". Is this true for the "daddies"?

yes, but I win easyer, I mean who can look meaner then your dad, lol

I think you have an unfair advantage. I agree, I think guys are able to do more with that meaner look and deeper voice. They always view mom as soft. How will I ever manage. I am really worried about playing Dad when the boyfriends start coming.

actually girls figure out dads faster, with moms, well I am not sure. I spoil mine, but they went without so look, thats my mission, of corse with in reason.

I try to balance, but sometimes I don't think I do a very good job. It's hard to provide more than they need and be the tough disciplinarian. Some days I just say, "Calgon take me away."

lol, I found games help, me and my girls do xbox, comp games, or even just having fun doing anything. Kids really don't care as long as you are not in disapline mode 24/7.

Your right about the 24/7. Sometimes I do find that I need to back off, usually when my daughter says we both need to work at something. This just happened earlier today. I agreed, but that didn't mean I was going to weaken the boundaries she could not cross. Long story! Thanks. Unfortunately, I think I got us off track here. Sorry Noana.

lol, sorry for what, I sound serious(sigh), life makes use what we are sometime. What I really mean is kids love when a parent can loosen up, be fun, play games. Well maybe its just me, but my kids will do most anything I say, they know when I am serious. Never ever, never, be afraid to speak your mind with me, I would rahter you told me how it was then sugar coat anything, sorry the real life requires real solutions. peace

Its easier in that you dont need babysitters and daycare and all that anymore, but then you have to worry about how they are doing going through puberty, if they are making good choices, about where they go and who they are with and what they are doing when they are not home....
My oldest daughter (now 20) gave me a hard time, we had to deal with juvenile court, truancy, etc. she has a 4 yr old now (and my youngest is 6!) But she has gotten better and works and has an apartment, my other two teens 13 and 15, are ok, they do good in school and help me a lot, but sometimes they get smart mouthed with me to the point I wanted to knock them out! But I think if thats the worst they do, I can live with it.
I guess theres good and bad in every age bracket-some people can deal with teensbetter, others with toddlers...I myself am glad not to be changing diapers anymore or struggling to find daycare (my yougest are 6 and 8) b/c my older kids can help out and even though we argue and whatnot, we come together as a family, and thats what counts