Our resident teenager (13 year old son CJ) spent the entire weekend at my parents’ house goofing off with my youngest brother (who happens to be 16 years old). Having him gone has some rather surprising side effects…
Just the mere act of setting out 5 plates for the kiddos instead of 6 takes some major brain power (crazy huh?)…but then there’s the whole not making too much food idea to contend with. After all as a boy that is growing like a weed, he is my biggest eater (not by much, but for the moment anyway). So, there were far more leftovers for the weekend.
His absence is very noticeable in lots of little ways…the Twinkies asking often where he is, the other boys asking constantly when he’s coming home, etc. Makes me wonder what it will be like someday when he’s grown and gone…but I don’t think I’m ready to truly go there and dwell on that thought, so for now I will ignore that notion
.
Now, I don’t want you to get the wrong impression and think that my children get along so well they can’t stand the thought of being apart…I truly wish that was the case. So I’m always surprised that, particularly the older boys, are bothered by one another’s absence. The oldest four don’t get along all that well, there is much bantering, arguing, wrestling and general discontent with one another on a daily (hourly?) basis.
CJ and Lion (the 5 year old) would get along fine…except that Lion shows his undying devotion by following CJ around everywhere and copying everything he does. Although that could be considered the highest form of flattery, to a 13 year old it’s just plain annoying.
But despite it all, he is home now and strangely enough, they will all be at odds with one another again tomorrow, but they will be comfortable with that…knowing that everyone is where they belong. It’s a strange relationship to be sure, and we’re working on the relationships part with them daily, but when it comes down to it, they know that they love one another and are there for each other when it counts.
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March 23rd, 2009 at 9:44 am 1
Welcome to the party. This is my first time joining. I have three boys 12,10 and 7. My 12 and 7 year old get along great, so I know what you mean! The older two do seem to have more arguing, fighting and general discontent!
Bekis last blog post..Welcome Ultimate Blog Party 2009!
March 23rd, 2009 at 11:04 am 2
Another nice result of one of the kiddos being away from the others is the “honeymoon” period after they return. It’s short lived, but my kids just looooove each other for a few days after being separated. It’s cute.
March 23rd, 2009 at 10:03 pm 3
I have two teenagers, 15 and 17…for the most part they get along okay…they don’t agree with each other most of the time, but if they started agreeing it wouldn’t be the family I’m used too….So I know what you mean when you say you don’t miss it, but then again you do cause it’s their individuality that makes their time with you so special.
Bridgets last blog post..2009 Blog Party
March 24th, 2009 at 5:41 am 4
Hi,
So glad I found your blog, blog hoppin’ from the UBP. Love your design.
And I know you are amazing to take care of all those kids! Wow. I thought I had my hands full.
Sweet Serendipitys last blog post..Free Homeschool Resources
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:22 am 5
I think I would get worried, if my children never fought. Fighting is part of a relationship and as long as they’re small fights over food or games, it’s something natural. And I’m sure your kids enjoy some small fights too. Mine do. They love to have big loud arguments about nothing and when you look again a few minutes later, they’re playing peacefully together.