Back when I was the one with little babies, I used to feel sorry for people with older kids who didn't capture random glances at the mall. Life must have been so sad for those people, I naively thought, who no longer have the cute kids as their own! Snort. Now that Lily is 8, I'm beginning to see the merits to having older kids. Here's what I've discovered so far, and I'm looking forward to many, many more.
1. I can sleep in! Or at least not get up the second the kids do now that they can grab breakfast on their own and turn on the TV. Such a beautiful thing.
2. They can dress themselves. Sure, they may look a tad mismatched, but at least I don't have to assist.
3. I get more than a "good" when I ask how their day was. (Or at least with my daughter I do.)
4. They can navigate the DVR. And, help me in doing so.
5. I can embarrass them, and have a blast doing it.
6. I can enjoy watching TV with them. Hello, Brady Bunch reruns and so long, Dora and Caillou!
7. They can shower alone and I no longer become drenched during bath time.
8. They understand consequences and can be reasoned with. Sometimes.
9. They can read to themselves. Buh-bye, Dr. Seuss.
10. They can do chores. I mean, that's almost reason enough to have another one.
What joys have YOU discovered as a parent of older kids?
Image via Scary Mommy
This Hot Dad Wants to Do Your Ironing
This Hot Dad Wants to Cook You Dinner
This Hot Dad Cooks AND Does the Dishes
Kanye West is Gay?! 
Comments 28
My daughter is ten. I love playing games and she beats me and its not because I let her.The ability to have a normal conversation is priceless. We have girls night now w. mud masks and nail painting etc. I love spending time with her and have our giggle times too. She can be so funny. I have to remind myself that I'm the mom and not the friend. I have loved every year she has been around. Something new. Something different..
My only child is now an adult! The freedom of cooking if I please is such a great JOY! I have no time frame to get home from work, no one''s clothes to wash other than my own! I love that my son is still home but as an adult not a child!
When they got old enogh to run errands was a beautiful time for me! and to come home to eat a meal I didn't have to cook that wasn't PB&J! Only downside was waiting up for them to get home so I could sleep peacefully!
I absolutely love the fact that now that I'm not paying day care or babysitters anymore, I have money to actually spend, granted now it's on football gear and electronics for the kids, but at least the money is being enjoyed by us and not by the daycare provider.
Plus, I get to say things like "yup, I'm going to let my kid climb that wall/tree/whatever" in response to holier- than-thou-moms-to-younger-kids-who-don't-know-any-better. Because if they get hurt lesson learned. eventually as mom you learn each kids capabilities and stop being a hovering helicopter so it gets easier.