I think about all the aggravating people who wonder when I get any “me” time as a stay-at-home parent and homeschool mom of six, mentally think of snarky things to say back to them, remind myself that I don’t want to start thinking like them, and then sigh, say a prayer, and get back to work.

This is an especially appropriate post for me right now. We are going through some very difficult times with my 16-year-old daughter, dealing with eating disorders, self-harm, gender confusion issues, and disbelief in the Church. If you would have told me a year ago we would be going through this, I would not have believed you. I have always tried to raise my children in a happy, healthy, devoted Catholic home. I am truly struggling every day, wondering what I did wrong as a mom. My main source of joy these days are my younger kids who still give me lots of love. I am praying a lot to try and make it through each day with this amount of pain in my heart. It is a true example of how hard parenting can be. Any

I think about our season of infertility and all the time we spent hoping and praying for the chaos that is now life with a baby and a toddler. I try to remember what it felt like to want this so desperately, and I think of all the couples who are still hoping to become parents. It reminds me to be grateful for each stage of my life as it comes (since looking back, the idea of having all that time with just me and my husband seems dreamy - although it was far from it at the time!).

Thanks to all three of you for sharing such poignant responses. You are each in my prayers in a special way today!

I certainly don’t have advice but had some of these moments just today! Upon picking up my daughter from preschool and reading through a quarterly “evaluation” of behaviors, school readiness skills, etc., that the teachers complete for each preschooler, I had my own pity party. Letting go and allowing others into my daughter’s life to “judge” her behaviors is really weighing on me today. And I am sensitive because I have a hard time with criticism, and I know I can’t project my weaknesses upon her as the days and years progress. I am just finding myself unprepared for the emotions, I guess. I like what you say about the Trinity being in control - ultimately that’s the message I keep hearing as I process this today!

Thanks for the post, Lisa!

I try to keep my eyes on the prize.  Easier said than done, but I try.

When it’s really difficult for me to parent our 6 kids, I think about the billions of people who’ve been able to “get the job done” (ie raising their kids successfully to adult hood) without half the resources I have - great marriage, healthy children, healthy parents, financial stability, education, faith & trust in Jesus and more.  Of course, I could lose all those tomorrow, but 14 years in I’m more optimistic then ever I’ll get the job done.  Although it might be sloppy

I have five children, my youngest is four.  I would love more, but God is giving us a resounding No.  My heart is so broken.  And I ask myself Why?  Why do you want a new baby so?  Well, no explanation needed—a new baby is a great thing to have.  But there’s more to it.  This parenting gig is getting difficult with the pre-teens.  There’s more to come with the teen years.  Part of me wants to start fresh with a cute new baby!  Part of me wants Pregnancy as an excuse to put off home repairs, weight loss, and other unromantic tasks.  I hear ya, God.  Live Now!  Take what I’ve given you and Get Moving!

My youngest is 10, oldest is 21, and I spend much more time in prayer now for my children than I had time for when they were younger.  What helps me is Eucharistic Adoration, daily Mass a few times a week, and more frequent confession (as I find it harder to deal with the teen angst), and the rosary.  A friend just gave me a novena to St. John Bosco to pray for teens - I am starting it right away - sometimes a targeted approach is just what we need.

I can relate so well to your post, Lisa. I have 4 children, ages 24 to 16. Lately I have really found myself becoming wistful for the “good old days” when they were little again. I often tell young mothers to enjoy them while they’re little. However, you are right when you say we are only remember the “fun stuff.” You are also right that our college-age kids still need us; just in a different way. I think the main thing I’m struggling with right now is figuring out MY identity after staying home with my children for all these years! Thanks for putting it into words so well!

I too am finding it hard adjusting to having “older” kids. 21,19,16,14. The difference from when my 21 year old was 14 is like night and day. There is so much more to monitor now. The world is literally in their hands with all of the technology and their still not mature enough to handle it.I never thought about when they get older when they were little. My oldest is having a hard time in college, my 19 is thinking about beauty school, my 16 year old isnt the best student so what will he do, and my 14 year old is a typical teenager, which i didnt have with my other 3. Plus,now what for me! Loved reading the other posts, you know your not alone:)