My eldest is 12 years old today. He’s charming & intelligent, incredibly fit & sporty, and usually fun to be around. We have reached the stage of moods & anger, but overall, he’s lovely.
Ben Hughes
The memory of labouring, giving birth and those excited and scary first days, weeks and months are still so clear, 12 years on. And parenting is still scary! However, bright and well rounded you think your child is, whatever their interests, they still do things to surprise you don’t they?
They challenge, push boundaries and ask “why” constantly. As a parent, I’ve found since he’s started going to secondary school, I’ve felt out of control. I don’t know what’s going on in his life in the same way. Some of it has been to do with communication from school, and learning how we can best support him. But didn’t we do the same at his age?
When I look back, I might not have been going on and on about getting a mobile phone, or Facebook account, or interested in “a relationship”, but I put pressure on my parents to do things they didn’t ever do at the age of 12. I know as time moves we’re all challenged by technology, or progress, or simply change.
When no.1 was born 12 years ago I had no idea I would ever set up my own business and be a self employed Mum of 2. I always felt that my family came first, but the life challenges that have come my way these last 5 years have shown me that I had mixed priorities. This year I’ve re-focused on my family and whilst this is still work in progress, I’m hoping that both my little men appreciate what we do for them.
As hard as being a parent is, I think it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve done. The challenge of supporting this 12 year old young man to develop and grow and understand himself and the world around him will go on, and on.
Today is about celebrating him growing up and moving into a world I’m unfamiliar with, with our support, and recognising there will be more challenges ahead, for all of us. We’re all constantly learning about ourselves, and growing older with children is no exception.
I wonder what the next 12 years will bring?