If life is all about adjusting to change, then family life is an intense, crash-course in constant change and upheaval. Just when we think we know our child and we can describe him or her to others as the “child who…” everything changes. As parents, it can feel like a losing battle trying to keep up with those ever-evolving and constantly changing interests.
If I had a dollar for each time I’ve heard “I’m just not into that any more” from one of my kids during these teenage years, I probably wouldn’t have to be so frugal and concerned about money! I long ago had to learn how to let go of wondering why I had spent all the time, money, etc. on all those music lessons, dance lessons, team fees, outfits, or whatever that were required for a passionate interest that became a passing fancy. It is just one of the realities of raising kids—interests change.
I have also got closets full of musical instruments, sports equipment, dozens of special shoes (tap, cleats—baseball and soccer, ballet), and pounds of art equipment, tools and I don’t even want to remember what else that has been used for various dabbling interests throughout the years. What has been interesting to me is that not one of my children has “picked up” an interest or hobby that another one left behind (that would be way too easy and economical)—it is always something completely new. Just about the time I figure out the rules of the game or what to ask for when I go into the music store, or start to recognize the faces of the other parents standing by, we’re off in an entirely new direction.
If childhood is supposed to be about experimentation and figuring out who we are and what we’re interested in—my children have definitely done their share and been absolutely developmentally on target. I just haven’t always been able to keep up with all those ever-changing interests!
See Also: Letting Your Kids Control Their Free Time
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