#LivingArrows- Back To Team Base 23/52 (2019)

Having spent three days needlessly worrying about my little man last week, I’m far happier now that he is back at base, here at home.

We function best as a team – when one or more of us is absent things just aren’t the same. Whilst I’m all for having the odd kid-free evening to spend some time as a couple, I’m far more at ease when the kids are sleeping soundly in their own beds.

Happy To Be Home – Hugs With The Hound

Lord knows how I’ll fare in however many years time when the kids grow up and decide its time to fly the nest, I don’t even wish to contemplate that concept at present. I have no doubt in my mind that ’empty nest syndrome’ is a real thing and something which I expect I will struggle with at some point.

With the current financial climate in regards to housing prices and employment issues, I needn’t worry too much as the kids will most likely be in their forties before they can afford a down payment for a deposit! We live in a fast-paced, scary World which Id happily cocoon my kids from but the fact is – it’s their World and one which they need to learn to look after, to live within and to love…

Whilst we are an amazing team, it’s really important that we can each stand for ourselves as individuals – Paul and I have had plenty of practice at this, whereas the kids are still finding their feet and discovering themselves and the World around them. I guess the only real way that they can taste and toy with independence is by having time away from ‘the team’ on trips, outings and such-like.

Both J & E love having the chance to go away whether it’s on a trip, a residential, an overnight stay with their grandparents or simply for a day out. Over the years they have each grown in confidence and have become fairly sensible and independent little individuals. It’s just me that finds it hard to let go…

Little Miss Independent

I suppose all these trips away and such-like give us parents a little practice at lengthening the heartstrings by allowing our little ones to give things a go without our guidance. It’s not quite as easy as you’d think, you spend all those years tending to your child’s every need and whim then all of a sudden, they no longer need you there to hold their hand…

Children grow up far too quickly, one moment you are nursing them in your arms and the next they are wearing shoes which outsize your own and they tower above you in height. Children grow in such a short space of time, becoming amazing individuals with all these ideas, experiences and such a lust for life.

Whilst children grow up and may no longer feel the need to have their hand held,  even when they have flown the nest and maybe have children of their own  – they will forever be part of the team.

Thanks for reading and as always I look forward to catching up with your #LivingArrows either through your own posts or comments upon this post.