Writing it down or Proof it works!
I was retelling this story to a friend the other day and was reminded that my husband always tells me to write these things down and I thought today, here would be a good place for that...
Last week hanging out with some friends, the mom turned to our oldest and said something along the lines of, "When you go away to college how many pet lizards will you have [implying when you move out of your mother's house, since she does not like pets, you can have a pet.]?"
Our son gave her an odd look for a moment and some silence, then he started rattling off the pets he'd like to have someday.
Now, I knew he had never heard of the concept of living in a home different than his parents. And, I know when it even comes to high school he is not looking forward to leaving his family for a school day. But at the same time, this was the first time a thought of, "Oh, if I did leave my parents THEN I could have all the pets I want" had been introduced to him. I know how much he wants a pet lizard and I honestly was a little scared for this new seed planted in his mind. He's only almost 8, I am not ready for him to move out yet.
On Monday morning eating breakfast, he looked really downcast and finally said,
"Mom, I don't want to go to college."
"Why not?"
"Because then I'd have to leave my mom and my dad and I don't want to move away from you."
"[mama's heart breaking]"
"And you said I could have all kinds of pets when I am 20, so I will just wait until then!"
"That sounds great to me."
Very true, I did say that. I say that a lot. When they are 20 they will have the resources and skills needed to take care of a pet and I have said they can all get pets when they are 20. (Though, I can see on one lizard it might be when they are a little younger than 20, but I am not ready to confirm that yet.)
Most importantly, I was so thankful to know that he loves us more than his love of pets and that he loves us even though we have silly rules like eat your vegetables, no laughing in the bathroom, and no pets until you're 20, and other rules that others allow their kids to do that we don't, etc.
*Sigh* I love our family too.
I'm glad that your kiddos are so unwillingly to move away from you! I don't ever remember being that way (well, maybe as a small babe). I clearly remember being very excited from a very young age at the prospect of leaving home. Kinda sad. I hope Julia (and any other Baby Windhams) are not anxious to leave us. Random question: Why 20? I mean, I get the idea of them being mature enough to handle more responsibility. But why not 21? Or 25? Is there a specific reason (like no longer being a "teen"?)? Just curious!
We were talking about college the day before as we drove through the University and saw all the students walking around. That is probably what made him think of it.
Sarah - I know! Why 20? I think since the first time I said it to the kids it was before they were old enough to understand that it is generally 18 that you are considered an "adult." 20, at the time, seemed like an "adult age" they could grasp. Though I still contend I did not feel like an adult until we bought our first house that I felt like an "adult." :)! Josh - you'll have to retell me the conversation! I can't wait!
I never wanted to move out of my parent's house growing up! I eventually thought it was a good idea though...especially once I bought my own house! :) Maybe it had something to do with the fact that my dad told me I couldn't date till I was 35... :)
That's awesome Leah! You know, I wanted to go away to college at the age of 6 or 7. I don't know why, it wasn't that I didn't love my family, I was just ready to be out on my own at that age. Crazy to think about now! OY!
Isaac wants to be a window washer when he grows up...because that is what Joe does...and he has spent so much of his youth with me, so he wants to even it out. :) If Joe is doing something else by then, Isaac says he'll just do whatever his dad is doing.
That's so sweet Kari!