I am a terrible mom but I could not imagine wanting my kids to stick around forever. I was so ready for them to go away to college. I loved them when they were around but think every step towards independence for them is a step towards freedom for me. I spent a lot of years putting them first and am ready to have a bigger sewing room, a more peaceful house and the freedom for my husband and I to travel.
We still have one left in HS but I won't be at all upset when I have an empty nest. I try to enjoy each stage of my life while I'm in it. I enjoyed having babies, then kids, then teenagers and am not ready to enjoy the next stage where my life doesn't revolve around motherhood.
I always feel like a terrible parent when I hear others crying about the empty nest. :?