Growing up is hard, Mom...

Through tear stained cheeks and quiet sobs,
my daughter uttered these words
and my heart broke into a million tiny pieces...

The only reply that seemed appropriate at that moment came quickly and with little thought,
"You are right,
Growing up is hard,
I'm so glad I get to do this with you."

If there is one thing I've learned as a parent to older kids,
it is
that when they wish to talk to you ~
you must NEVER be too busy to listen
and you MUST listen with your WHOLE HEART!
Don't miss a thing
open your mind...
be ready for whatever they might say
be okay with whatever they might say
and love them with all you have
even after all that they might say...

Growing up is hard on kids
and on Mom!

Together we'll make it through all the hard times
and our relationship will only prove stronger in the end!

(To better ensure that your kiddos will come to you when they are older, be sure to listen to them when they are little ... what they wish to share is BIG and IMPORTANT even though they may be small ... be available to them in heart and soul, not just in person ~ they really will feel the difference)

Enjoy the ride, Mom...it goes by so very fast!