Ah, Irish--I agree. I'm a terrific parent--as I'm sure you are. But I'm noticing the phases now. For 18+ years we give our kids all we've got--110%. I embraced every stage, too. My daughter turns 20 next week, and my son is 22. I built a firm foundation and am always here when they need me. But--this is a delightful time of life-I call it ME time. Hubby and I have freedom and privacy! I can move from the barn to the sewing machine all I want on a vacation--I can focus on ME! I'm really enjoying this!! :-D But, I think I'll have had enough of it once grandkids show up--then I'll be ready to share my ME time with them. It's the way it's supposed to work.
I used to tell my kids I was helping to build their foundations. Once they were in college, I cut out an article called "Talking to Your College Kids About Drinking" and asked both if we should go over it. Rachel said "Mom, you already built the foundation, now I'm working on walls and windows."
Smart girl, eh? :wink: