I Raised My Kids, Now I Love Watching Them Raise Theirs

I already raised my kids. I already had the endless days, the sleepless nights, the tantrums, and the training.

I already raised my kids. I already shepherded the choral and band concerts, the science fairs, school plays, ball tournaments, driver’s ed classes, homework, dances, and proms.

I already raised my kids. I already did the shopping, the cooking, the cleaning and laundry, the sticky floors and stained carpets.

I already alternated between being present and powering through the late, late evenings; the early, early mornings; and the millions of moments in between.

We did the couch forts, chapter book marathons, cousin sleepovers, late-night swimming, Monopoly and cards, silly jokes and laughing till our bellies hurt.

I rode the emotions of taking each one to college for the first time and crying along the highways, roads, and miles back home to quieter rooms.

I’ve already participated in the surreal, emotional mother-son wedding dances and the river of tears that fell at the initial glances of beautiful brides.

I’ve seen ones off to far-flung coastal destinations to fulfill dreams. I’ve celebrated their midwest returns and embraced selling our house and moving out of state to be close by.

I adore and cherish my kids and the seconds, minutes, hours, and years we have spent and do spend together.

I loved raising them, and now, they’re grown. Yes, I’ve already raised my kids, but presently, I have the greatest honor of viewing, witnessing, and assisting when requested as they bring up their own. What an absolute treasure.

What a gift and a privilege to influence the next generation with peace, love, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness—to revel in that innocent joy and wonder in my grandchildren.

Yes, I already raised mine, but I’m so thankful and blessed that our adult kids live with open, inclusive hearts and want us to engage and be near as they raise theirs.

I already raised my kids. But, today and forever, I will raise my voice in song, praise, humility, and thanksgiving to our generous, almighty God who is allowing me to experience it all over again.

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Articles by Debbie Prather

Debbie Prather

Debbie Prather is a wife, mom, freelance writer, and woman of faith. She and her husband are grandparents to four beautiful babies and have been married for thirty-six years. Debbie is fond of connecting heart-to-heart with those God places in front of her and shares her essays and creative works at debbieprather.com.