"You don't know what it's like to be the oldest."
She's right, I don't. I was the youngest and I was spoiled, or so I've been told. But I told her that God put her in the position she is in for a reason. And everything that she experiences while she's in this house will make her into the adult she is to become.
Your oldest children are your Ginnie Pigs. They are the ones that get you before you read up on the parenting books. They get stuck with the curriculum that you discovered was not as great as you hoped. They are the ones that get the hardest chores. They are the baby holders, the little sister chasers, the sandwich makers... my biggest helpers.
I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate them and how much I depend on them.
While sitting on the swing with Paige, watching the kids play, I said "In about 5 years, Joshua will be old enough that we wont have to keep an eye on him every minute. All the kids will be big enough that we can relax and go to the park without running after any babies. Wont that be nice?"
But then it hit me - Paige will be 17 in 5 years. She will be almost out of the house. When I have the opportunity to give her my undivided attention, she'll be too old to want it.
The time is now to savor every moment, to take any opportunity I can to spend a quality moment with my still young children, to have a quiet conversation while we swing, to take a bike ride after the little ones are in bed. They enjoy playing with Grace. They love snuggling with Joshua. Who wouldn't?
My goal for them is that they benefit and develop stronger character from the added responsibility of their position in the family.
Some day they'll look back and say, "Remember when Grace was two and..."
And Grace will be there to hear the story because they are taking the time to build a relationship now that will last for the rest of their lives.
Well, here's hopin' anyway...
3 comments:
Stacy, that was very well said. When my now 21 old was 12, we had two 5 year olds, a two year old and the baby. They are all so close. They love their Sissy, she has built a special bond with each, as she realized she was growing up- she's made time for each sibling, and she is a great sandwich maker too... I soon realized that I needed to have special time with her, we did that on Tuesdays nights from the time she was 13-about 20; We watched a little TV back then, and the show "Gilmore Girls" turned out to be a great time for us. For that one hour we'd go into our bedroom, and close the door, Hubby would take care of the little ones, and we could just be together. The show acted as a conversation starter about all kinds of topics. You got it, it is important to meet each child where they are, and the little ones are so blessed to have big sisters!
I am thrilled that I read this first thing this morning...a great thought to keep my priorities straight today!
And as always...I love your photos!
Have a wonderful day!
I totally agree with you about the first born! Some days, I feel so sorry for Kathryn! And you're so right about needing to take time NOW to enjoy her. It's hard though when we get so busy taking care of the little ones and everything else. Thanks for the reminder!
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