What is it about 5?

Mommy, when I’m 5 I’ll drink water.

When I’m 5 I’ll be as big as daddy

I’ll buckle my own seat belt when I’m 5 !

When I’m 5 I’ll start REAL school.

Mommy, I’m 5 now, let’s get rid of the training wheels…

What is it about 5? You see, my last baby just turned 5, and with it has come  this new found independence. All of a sudden, he can do everything by himself. He has a big boy bed. He wants to learn to read. He’s ready for Kindergarten!

When Your Baby Turns 5

Through my years of parenting something magical tends to happen when a child turns 5.  They automatically feel and seem bigger. And as a mom, this is both exciting and bitter sweet. Gone are the preschool days. With it comes learning to read, letter sounds and “real” school.   The baby face begins to fade and with it comes the big kid hair, clothes and look.

When our baby turns 5 something happens to us, and them. And, if I’m honest, I don’t really like it. Do you?

But moms, I know what’s on the other side of 5. And while it may seem scary, it also comes with a load of blessings.

So… if your baby is turning 5 can I tell you something?

It’s okay.

Once they are 5 they don’t magically stop needing you. There will still be moments where they will want and need your help. They will still wake up and ask for you. They will still want to tell you every moment of their day, and believe me they will still have TONS of questions.

They will still call you mommy.

Cherish It

If I had a do-over, I would go back and cherish the moments after five. It seems like you blink and they are in middle school. The preschool years are hard. They are a blur, and they come with this huge weight because the kids need you so much. But… after five? It goes even faster in my opinion.  Activities start happening. There is soccer, and play dates, and sleepovers. There are school papers, and lessons and butting heads.

And before you know it they no longer ask you to play barbies and cars or read them a story.  You no longer have to let them beat you at candy land because they are killing you at battleship. They stop saying mommy and begin saying mom.

So, moms whose baby is turning five, I am right there with you.  There are tears, and regrets, and moments of laughter and sorrow. I don’t know what it is about five, but it is a true turning point in childhood. And, now that I am on my third go around of it, I know one thing is for sure. I am not going to miss one moment of my last ride.

How did you handle your baby turning 5?