Nearly half of people 18-29 in the US live with their parents. So there’s a good chance nothing is “over,” ha.

Anonymous wrote:I don't really see it as an end to parenting, just the end of an era of parenting. We can't wait to be done with public school. 3-2-1. Done.

Let the real hard part begin! And when you really start to find out how the past 18+ years have gone.

My dad once told me it was (even) harder to "parent" your adult children: they're problems were way more complex and/or expensive to solve and you (as the parent) have way less influence on how any of it goes (either problem avoidance or resolution). I'm certain he was right.

This x 1,000

Anonymous wrote:I for one will not miss the early school bus; the stupid assignments and endless math worksheets, and the feeling that she could have learned more, and become more confident, without a pandemic and a school system that didn't know what to do.
I will not, not miss high school at all. Waiting for graduation--counting down the months and days. Then she'll be at home for a while (she's headed to community college first)--it will feel like paradise compared to high school.

Does your kid enjoy HS? If not, she can just get her GED and jump into community college if that is her route.

I for one will not miss the early school bus; the stupid assignments and endless math worksheets, and the feeling that she could have learned more, and become more confident, without a pandemic and a school system that didn't know what to do.
I will not, not miss high school at all. Waiting for graduation--counting down the months and days. Then she'll be at home for a while (she's headed to community college first)--it will feel like paradise compared to high school.

I will say bitter sweet

Neither. I like having my daughter home, but I'm looking forward to seeing how her life evolves. I won't celebrate when she leaves, but I won't cry sad tears either.

DCUM doesn’t ever stop parenting.

Anonymous wrote:I don't really see it as an end to parenting, just the end of an era of parenting. We can't wait to be done with public school. 3-2-1. Done.

Let the real hard part begin! And when you really start to find out how the past 18+ years have gone.

My dad once told me it was (even) harder to "parent" your adult children: they're problems were way more complex and/or expensive to solve and you (as the parent) have way less influence on how any of it goes (either problem avoidance or resolution). I'm certain he was right.

Very true.

I don't really see it as an end to parenting, just the end of an era of parenting. We can't wait to be done with public school. 3-2-1. Done.

Let the real hard part begin! And when you really start to find out how the past 18+ years have gone.

My dad once told me it was (even) harder to "parent" your adult children: they're problems were way more complex and/or expensive to solve and you (as the parent) have way less influence on how any of it goes (either problem avoidance or resolution). I'm certain he was right.

I don't feel like we're "at the end of our parenting journey" but when the youngest is a senior I'll probably get excited about living with just DH full time.

So so sad. It feels like pre-mourning now. I'll figure it out and be fine, but I can't imagine celebrating it.

God I hate the dramatic “spread her wings” expression.

Anonymous wrote:Feeling really sad we only have a few years left with DD at home but some of our friends are celebrating their impending freedom as they put it.

Very sad, actually. Love being around her and sad at the thought she won't be here all the time. But, excited for her to spread her wings (and hopefully not let her see that Im sad).

I miss the young ES ages, tbh. They are so fun at that age.

Parenting is for life.

I am indeed sad that in a few years, they won't live in my house.

But I will never stop parenting, and helping/advising my children if they wish.

Feeling really sad we only have a few years left with DD at home but some of our friends are celebrating their impending freedom as they put it.