Now That I Am 50: Kids versus Dogs

Now That I Am 50: Kids versus Dogs: Now that most of our kids are grown and living their own lives, there is a lot of time to do what we want to do. Right? Wrong.  Currently we...

Kids versus Dogs

Now that most of our kids are grown and living their own lives, there is a lot of time to do what we want to do. Right? Wrong.  Currently we have one teenager who still lives at home but he is the easiest of all of the other six children.  The rest of our children live on their own with jobs and/or school.  Some even have their own children to worry about.

However, just because the other five children do not live with us does not mean that we are not their parents every day.  We are texting and receiving phone calls daily with needs for guidance or support in all forms.  When we are not in direct communication with our children, we are discussing their struggles or trying to help them.  I have lain awake many nights stressing over a situation one of our kids is going through.  I try to come up with an idea to help or to enact vengeance (non violent of course) towards the person that hurt them.

I am not a saint and I have never pretended to be innocent.  I anger easily and I hold grudges.  I am the worst Mama bear when someone hurts our cubs.  I inherited this trait from my mother.  I have never considered this a bad trait, but a right of passage as being a parent.  I will do anything to protect my children whether they be my biological or step children. In my mind, they are equals in my heart and my protection.

Now we also have four dogs.  They are everything to me.  They are brave and smart yet disobedient and needy.  They are my other children.  They rely on me for everything and give me more love than anyone can imagine.  Happy to see me every time that I enter the room.  Sad when I go out every single time. As I am typing this, they are crammed on the love seat with me just to be close to their Mommy.

I think as the children  grow up and leave the home, dogs replace the void of the noise and chatter.  They are our companions. I talk to them all the time, yet they seem to understand without talking back or arguing.  Yes they can be brats and get into trouble but they always look guilty and appear sorry.  They do not need to be grounded or to have time outs to understand that they did something bad.

To sum this up, enjoy your crazy kids whether they live with you or they do not.  Being a parent is hard and a lifetime commitment.  Don't let anyone tell you any different.  It never ends and it can be great or horrible at times.  Being a dog parent is similar depending on the breed or temperament. Dogs are easier so as you get older and the kids move out, get an easy going dog to love you and keep you warm. Our children and our dogs are all part of unconditional love that lasts a lifetime in our hearts.