I was thinking this past Monday night, when the four of us were all about five feet from each other, all doing different things, that it will probably be a long time until I have an empty "nest." More than one of my friends have kids that are graduating or have already graduated from high school. I have friends whose kids are even already married!!! They are around my age (or younger). It took me several years to find my "Prince Charming." I was in my early thirties when I had Lauren and my early forties when I had Dominic. The hubby likes to tell people he had a kid every decade (my stepson in the 80's, Lauren in the 90's and Dominic in the 2000's)! I think it blows a lot of people's minds that he has a 7-year old (my husband has a big birthday later this year that starts with a "6" and ends with a "0"). I want our home to always be a place where my stepson, Lauren and Dominic always feel welcome. Our door is always open. My hope for Dominic is that he will live independently of us, but I am also realistic. He may always live with us :) I moved in and out of my parents "nest" a few times until I moved out permanently to get married. I hear more and more in the news about children that have moved out and have had to move back in because they weren't able to afford living on their own. Sometimes they bring their own children back with them. It's not uncommon these days to have more than one generation living under the same roof. What is your "nest" like right now, full or empty?? or somewhere in between??
We are heading towards 600 orders for Dominic's business. Since our long-term goal for Baked Goods By Dominic is having a "brick-and-mortar" and hire those with disabilities, it is essential and imperative that I continue to teach him all parts of the business. Since I prompted Dominic for so many years for speech, he has become "prompt dependent." What that essentially means is that he will look at me for a prompt, like, "what do you do next?" I do that one a lot. Dominic has been going to a private speech therapist for over ten years and she reminds me often that Dominic usually will know the answer, if I am patient and wait for him. That has been a very hard habit to break! Dominic has an incredible memory, so I put it to the test this morning. I didn't write out the steps, I wanted to see how much he could do completely on his own. We have a customer picking up his order today, but the only thing that had been done is putting the cookies into t...
We are coming full circle. It wasn't so long in the past where it was common for generations to live together. I like the idea. Lot's of wisdom to help with the new generations. Adult energy to help with the endless energy from little ones. Conversation available that is not just "child's play." I love my life with my husband and kiddos. I, too, started the whole kiddo adventure in 2006. I love the full nest! When my Dad visits the days are full and the kids LOVE LOVE LOVE him. Love your posts. Laura Hubbard
ReplyDeleteIn Germany there are many houses with multiple levels, one for each generation. Things are very expensive there, particularly owning property, so it's not at all uncommon for adult children to be living with their families.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the comments :)
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