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Being a parent means watching your child grow up. As your child grows, there can be certain transitions in your relationship together. They will slowly start to become more independent, make their own friends, form their own opinions, and eventually start their own adult life. All of these things are difficult to go through personally, but they can also affect you as a parent. You might be proud of them as they grow up, even if there are some difficult times, but it's also hard to see them moving away from you. However, you can still stay close even as they get older, and there are various stages you can prepare for.
Starting School
Seeing your child in their school uniform for the first time is a big moment, and sending them off to school can be surprisingly emotional. It feels like a big sign of your baby growing up, even if they might only be four or five years old. It can be a difficult period too, as starting to go to school every day can be tiring for your little one. You might be spending less time together, but you can still make time to do things together. Talking to your child about what's happening at school can help you stay connected and also helps them to deal with a big change.
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Teenage Years
Raising teenagers is different for all parents. Some are surprisingly easy while other teenagers have a tough time, which means their parents can have a tough time too. The teen years can really change your relationship with your child, especially if you struggle to relate to each other. But one of the best things you can do is try to understand what your child is going through. Puberty is tough for many people but you can also learn about and try to understand the pressures that teenagers face today. Open communication can go a long way.
Moving Out
When it's time for your child to start leaving home, it's a big change for both of you. Whether they are moving out completely right away or they'll be spending university term time in student accommodation and the holidays at home, you have one less person in your home. Staying in touch can be hard when your child wants to have their own life and you might not live close to each other anymore. You can still maintain a relationship, but it's also important to let them live their own life.
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Adult Life
Your relationship with your adult child can be an enjoyable one. In some ways, it might be similar to your relationship as they grew up. In other ways, it can be different because you can relate to them on another level as an adult. Figuring out your relationship when you're both adults can be interesting and an opportunity to explore new things together. You might find new things that you like to talk about or things you like to do together.
There are many times in life when your relationship with your child might change. Being prepared for them can help you to manage your feelings.
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