An Art...

I am learning that there is an art to letting go and holding on.  I have noticed more and more the pulling away from each of my children.  It is in their own way but they are testing the boundaries.  It seems like grief at times but in reality it's not.  The feelings are those of excitement mixed with some sadness.  I'm thankful that my kids are growing up and making more of their own decisions.  It's just all new to us.  But I am beginning to understand it and when I ease up, things go a whole lot smoother.  Because boy, if I dare suggest that AJ go to bed at a certain time or remind him that he needs to tell us where he is going, he can turn on me with anger.  And it catches me off guard.  What worked 5 or 6 years ago just doesn't work anymore.  He reminds me that I don't have to keep reminding him of things especially when I've already told him something.  And I know that.  It's just hard for me not to sometimes.  So the way we parent has changed for sure but it's changed because we've all changed.  Change can be hard and scary at times but it's also exciting too.