What a powerful message!! I find myself stuck in the middle of missing when my kids were babies but also excited to see how our relationships are evolving as they get older! I love when you said "I'm new here" at each stage - I keep reminding myself of that as my kids are now in the teenage/pre-teen stage! Thank you for this!
So much yes to this! My kids are 12 and 14 and they keep developing into these incredible humans that I continue to want to spend more and more time with. And it’s mutual.
You’re absolutely right it just keeps getting better.
I needed this today! My daughter turns eighteen this year. And the more freedom she has, the better we seem to get along. My hope is that in time, we grow even closer as we both age. 😊
xo in my experience this has been so true. And I love that you said “as we both age”. I feel that I am getting wiser as they also get older and it is a beautiful combination!
Finding the senese of purpose and fulfillment in different seasons of life without outsourcing it to a job, relationship or role we're playing is so important to find the happiness in life we're looking for. I do believe the season of midlife is one a lot of women look for guidance tools that are rare until now. Your 50 not finished book isn't just a movement it's a r(e)volution how women see themselves and their power to find purpose at any age especially at the age society conditioned us to be finished. Thank you for sharing your personal experience and transparency that you're still learning and aren't finished yet!
Watching my two out in the world I couldn’t be more proud. It’s not easy, but the most important thing we can give our kids is the ability to make good decisions. 🙏🏻
How true! I'm just ahead of you, Julie - age 54 with four children ages 29, 25, 20, and 16 (and also new to you in IGNITEHer University!). I heard the same things and, like you, never heard how I'd enjoy *them* more....how I'd enjoy having more Me Time as they become less dependent - yes - but not that I'd be head over heels in love with them all and what a privilege and delight I get to learn them more and get to learn from them. My take: it's an echo of ageism. Younger seems better, more precious, and preferred in our popular culture - be it for women or children. But living and learning is beautiful. Getting better at navigating the School of Hard Knocks brings its own satisfaction, beauty, and value too. Thank you. You made me smile.
yes, yes, YES!!! I couldn't agree more with this. I loved my littles, but boy do I love my bigs! It is such a gift to be able to watch your children become fully formed humans who have thoughts and opinions and senses of humor. Our restaurant bills may be a little more expensive these days, but it's such a joy spending time with them.
What a beautiful family! It is by far the best phase of motherhood so far, I wouldn't go back to toddlerville for anything...
I just farewelled my 23 year old to her new role as cruise ship singer in the Carribean... she graduated from her music degree and has already done one stint on the World America ship where she got to meet Drew Barrymore when it launched - so jealous.
My 21 year-old has also just started as a Massage Therapist at the Hayman Island day spa in tropical Australia - this is what the juggle was always for, so they can go and fly. It's the best!
This resonated with me as a father too! My youngest is 12 and my oldest is graduating from high school I get emotional thinking about how awesome it is to have "nearly" adult conversations with them.
I LOVE how you're stepping into telling this story. YES! Such a beautiful reframe. I mean, I'm already feeling this now. So many people are constantly saying "oh just you wait!" or saying things like "terrible twos" but we always have approached being a parent and watching our kid grow with awe, love and joy. It DOES only get better and better. Do I miss my tiny baby I could carry everywhere? Sure! But I also love every moment I spend with her as she's growing and discovering the world.
Oh wow! This spoke to me! I’m mama to two boys 7 and 16 and I love it, but it feels fleeting, and hectic and all the things and this made me happy to think of all that is to come. I have been silently dreading my oldest leaving for college in 2 years. But this gives me hope, thank you :)
♥️🙏🏻 I will tell you it is HARD. Not going to lie. Cried my heart out in that transition to college for my two oldest. But that’s ok! It’s ok to mourn but critical to adjust to the next phase. Having the phone changes everything. My two older kids and I are in constant contact every single day. It’s fun. We laugh we check in they tell me a lot of details. So it’s different than when they lived here but I feel so very connected with them. I think that will be another article!
I have a 12yo and I’ve loved the elementary years. The younger years were hard and I truly believe it’s getting better. My mom always told me that she liked the later elementary and teen years too just because we could have good conversations. As a kid, I was a bit offended wondering did she not like me as a little kid, but now I get it!
Ha! All the phases have the positives and the challenges in my experience, but it’s when our expectations are off that things go south. My little buddy is 12. It’s a sweet age!
LOVE that this popped up and thanks for sharing. I have 2 sons 15 & 17. Its a new chapter for them and for me as a parent who will soon turn 50! I also have parents late 60s and grandparents mid 80s to 90s.. so Im in a sandwich. Knowing myself via a spiritual path and my human design certainly helps to creating joy filled lives and relationships! Thankyou Julie x
I feel this so deeply. As Madison has gotten older we just get closer and closer. What a powerful perspective. I agree no one ever told me what it could be….
What a powerful message!! I find myself stuck in the middle of missing when my kids were babies but also excited to see how our relationships are evolving as they get older! I love when you said "I'm new here" at each stage - I keep reminding myself of that as my kids are now in the teenage/pre-teen stage! Thank you for this!
Yesss! We are “new here” in every stage and we must give ourselves grace 🙏🏻
So much yes to this! My kids are 12 and 14 and they keep developing into these incredible humans that I continue to want to spend more and more time with. And it’s mutual.
You’re absolutely right it just keeps getting better.
It’s just so beautiful!! And I do believe mamas with big dreams help create this environment!
I needed this today! My daughter turns eighteen this year. And the more freedom she has, the better we seem to get along. My hope is that in time, we grow even closer as we both age. 😊
xo in my experience this has been so true. And I love that you said “as we both age”. I feel that I am getting wiser as they also get older and it is a beautiful combination!
Finding the senese of purpose and fulfillment in different seasons of life without outsourcing it to a job, relationship or role we're playing is so important to find the happiness in life we're looking for. I do believe the season of midlife is one a lot of women look for guidance tools that are rare until now. Your 50 not finished book isn't just a movement it's a r(e)volution how women see themselves and their power to find purpose at any age especially at the age society conditioned us to be finished. Thank you for sharing your personal experience and transparency that you're still learning and aren't finished yet!
Thank you!! 🙏🏻
I agree, as they mature and develop into the people they are meant to be, it just keeps getting better. It’s a good reminder to enjoy each stage.
Absolutely and I like to share with younger moms because no one shared this with me!
So glad to hear. I’m almost there. My oldest leaves next year. But mostly I’m just super anxious about their futures in this super uncertain world.
Watching my two out in the world I couldn’t be more proud. It’s not easy, but the most important thing we can give our kids is the ability to make good decisions. 🙏🏻
Beach house in Queens? Is that in Rockaway?
Breezy ♥️
How true! I'm just ahead of you, Julie - age 54 with four children ages 29, 25, 20, and 16 (and also new to you in IGNITEHer University!). I heard the same things and, like you, never heard how I'd enjoy *them* more....how I'd enjoy having more Me Time as they become less dependent - yes - but not that I'd be head over heels in love with them all and what a privilege and delight I get to learn them more and get to learn from them. My take: it's an echo of ageism. Younger seems better, more precious, and preferred in our popular culture - be it for women or children. But living and learning is beautiful. Getting better at navigating the School of Hard Knocks brings its own satisfaction, beauty, and value too. Thank you. You made me smile.
Yesssss!! I’m so excited to get to know you. We have the same values. Aging is a blessing 🙏🏻
yes, yes, YES!!! I couldn't agree more with this. I loved my littles, but boy do I love my bigs! It is such a gift to be able to watch your children become fully formed humans who have thoughts and opinions and senses of humor. Our restaurant bills may be a little more expensive these days, but it's such a joy spending time with them.
Omg the food 😆. We raised them with good taste 😆
Lol! Maybe too good!
What a beautiful family! It is by far the best phase of motherhood so far, I wouldn't go back to toddlerville for anything...
I just farewelled my 23 year old to her new role as cruise ship singer in the Carribean... she graduated from her music degree and has already done one stint on the World America ship where she got to meet Drew Barrymore when it launched - so jealous.
My 21 year-old has also just started as a Massage Therapist at the Hayman Island day spa in tropical Australia - this is what the juggle was always for, so they can go and fly. It's the best!
What?!?! What a dream fun job for a 23 yo!!!! Amazing! Cheers mama to being a mom to adult children with me!
This resonated with me as a father too! My youngest is 12 and my oldest is graduating from high school I get emotional thinking about how awesome it is to have "nearly" adult conversations with them.
Yesssss it just the best. I fangirl them 😂😂
I LOVE how you're stepping into telling this story. YES! Such a beautiful reframe. I mean, I'm already feeling this now. So many people are constantly saying "oh just you wait!" or saying things like "terrible twos" but we always have approached being a parent and watching our kid grow with awe, love and joy. It DOES only get better and better. Do I miss my tiny baby I could carry everywhere? Sure! But I also love every moment I spend with her as she's growing and discovering the world.
Love this! ♥️
Oh wow! This spoke to me! I’m mama to two boys 7 and 16 and I love it, but it feels fleeting, and hectic and all the things and this made me happy to think of all that is to come. I have been silently dreading my oldest leaving for college in 2 years. But this gives me hope, thank you :)
♥️🙏🏻 I will tell you it is HARD. Not going to lie. Cried my heart out in that transition to college for my two oldest. But that’s ok! It’s ok to mourn but critical to adjust to the next phase. Having the phone changes everything. My two older kids and I are in constant contact every single day. It’s fun. We laugh we check in they tell me a lot of details. So it’s different than when they lived here but I feel so very connected with them. I think that will be another article!
I have a 12yo and I’ve loved the elementary years. The younger years were hard and I truly believe it’s getting better. My mom always told me that she liked the later elementary and teen years too just because we could have good conversations. As a kid, I was a bit offended wondering did she not like me as a little kid, but now I get it!
Ha! All the phases have the positives and the challenges in my experience, but it’s when our expectations are off that things go south. My little buddy is 12. It’s a sweet age!
LOVE that this popped up and thanks for sharing. I have 2 sons 15 & 17. Its a new chapter for them and for me as a parent who will soon turn 50! I also have parents late 60s and grandparents mid 80s to 90s.. so Im in a sandwich. Knowing myself via a spiritual path and my human design certainly helps to creating joy filled lives and relationships! Thankyou Julie x
I love this so much Emma! How fortunate your two sones and parents & great grandparents are to have you!
I feel this so deeply. As Madison has gotten older we just get closer and closer. What a powerful perspective. I agree no one ever told me what it could be….
It’s the most beautiful surprise and was also super intentional at the same time ♥️