I was talking to friends today and one replied – “Wow! You’ve successfully raised two children to adulthood.” I’ve never quite thought of it that way. Wow! Adults. Now, I use the term loosely, of course. 18 is hardly an adult as we all have learned. I mean – I was an adult at 18, or so I thought, but now I look back and I was SO not an adult. There are days when I’m still not sure I’m an adult.
I wonder who decided that 18 signifies adulthood? My son pointed out that he can now be drafted, join the military, vote and buy a cigar. (I vetoed the cigar noting that in my house even “adults” can be grounded.)
He graduates in one week from high school and starts college in early February. Two college students – that does make my head spin.
So what does having an adult child mean? Am I still allowed to swat their butts when they get sassy, or tell them to change their shirt, or assign a curfew? I’m assuming the answer to all is YES! Well, as long as I am financing their adult lives anyway. When did parenthood boil down to bank accounts? I’ll take all the parental leverage I can get!
So – I’m going to take a nap. My head hurts from pondering the repercussions of raising children to adulthood. God says – “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” I’m going to hold onto that with both hands, tightly. Personally, I would have liked a pause button – get them to a good age and hit pause. Of course, then I’d have ordered a Mute button too. Wouldn’t that be fun.. :-)
Congratulations! You did it again:) I am still always telling my 23 year old what to do...but he often laughs...still, it's in a nice way~he knows I love him. Oh, the moments I could've used a pause/mute! Well, hope your son enjoys college, and yes, take a big nap:)
ReplyDeleteI haven't yet decided whether the parent of a child just turned 18 should celebrate for what is past and what is to come.....or quake with terror!
ReplyDeleteYes, you deserve a nap and a vacation! I, too, would love the pause button, rewind would also be great . . . I guess that's what memories are for. At least you have two more to go :)
ReplyDelete