My Dd is 16, give me a minute as I sigh. At 16 came a boyfriend, a very nice young man and I hope he stays around. Then came the drivers permit and learning to drive. Today I took her around today to pick up applications, looking for a job. This is happening way to quick for me. She is my only daughter, we also have 2 sons. Is it normal to feel like I need to hold on to her longer and not let her grow up?

Yep! Been there! Now she's 26 and the mom of my DGS in the avatar picture.

I love all three of my children so dearly - as I'm sure most moms do. My philosophy of childrearing (for our children) is that we are raising them to go out into the world and do what they are to do. When our daughter (our only daughter) went away to school I was sad and missed her greatly - but thrilled to death that she was 'out there' doing what she needed to do. When she married, many people asked me why I didn't cry - because she was doing what she was supposed to do!! She always wanted to be friends with me - I held off and was her parent - NOW I can be her friend. And, of course, continue to be her mom... I miss her - yes. but I know she's doing what she's supposed to do. Will I miss the boys - yes, but I'm hoping they, too, will go and do what they are meant to do.

*sigh* Yes been there done that... there is a part of you that wants to hold them forever, and the other part that says it is time for them to grow and expand.

I have 2 sons, 29 and 27. I really miss some of the things we use to do :cry:

Been there, daone that also, and now I have a gr dau that just got her drivers liscense and, where did all those years go?

I have pretty much the same philosophy as ThisMomQuilts...I just want them to be happy, well grounded, responsible adults with something to offer society.

That being said, you worry about them just as much when they are grown as you did when they were little. At least when they're small you can keep track of them!

My youngest has been the hardest....that boy marches to the beat of a different drum....he's 18 this year and decided to "be independent" and moved out early January. Do I miss him...YES....will I ever stop worrying about him or his brothers...NEVER. So you are not alone...

It's not easy is it? Seems like it is our job to start pushing them out of the nest almost the minute they are born. Both of mine are grown with lives of their own and I'm so very proud of the lives they have made. But I do wish I could turn back the clock -- not to really do anything differently -- just to have that close, day to day time with them for a little longer.

Oh, yeah!!!! And then, at some point, they'll start the hormonal stuff, and you'll BEG for them to leave!!!! LOL Seriously, it IS hard to see them growing up. Shoot! My oldest GRANDdaughter is turning 16 this fall!!!!! ARRRRRGH!

very normal. been there, done that. You will survive, condition unknown upon survival.

My grandma always said the when a child is born it is the parents duty to help them out of the nest one day at a time.

She also had a banner hanging in her kitchen that read "we give our children 2 things, one is roots and the other is wings"!

I believe our children are never completely ours, God just loans them to us for a little while. :D