Birthdays Mean A Child Gets Older
A Child Sleeping
A sleeping child is a peaceful child.
Bedtime is never easy for any child. They have determined that life is going on around them, and they do not want to miss out on things. A parent can tell a child, “go to bed” and a child will find a half-dozen excuses to extend bedtime.
“I’m thirsty“
“I have to go the bathroom!“
“I am not tired!“
Every parent looks forward to bedtime. A parent can get things done, unwind and relax when a child goes to bed. A parent puts a child in bed, tucks them in and kiss them goodnight, and shows little thought to what bedtime simply means. It is the time when children grow the most. It was not until the other night when I safely tucked my son into his bed that I realized what bedtime meant.
Xander was being a typical little boy and jumping around. I leaned down to kiss him goodnight, “Goodnight son. I love you.” Xander knew that his birthday was the next day, and he hid his face, “NO!! NO!! NO KISSES!! I OLDER NOW!!” I felt my heart sink a little,”Xan, you are not 4 years-old until tomorrow, and you will never be to old for my kisses.” Xan laughed and giggled, “No, I be 4 and I to old for kisses!“
Independence
Language
Humor
Career
Bravery
It was the last time in his life that we both would say goodnight to each other, and he was a three-year-old. My little boy is growing up and before long he will not want me anymore. I knew that the next day he would become a 4 year-old little boy already thinking he was a 40 years-old man.
1. Independence – As an adult we “think” we are independent (it’s easy to forget that other’s control large parts of an adults life). We love to have autonomy and “try” to control destiny. My son is on his way to discovering his independence. Xan enjoying asking me to build with Lego blocks. The older he has become the less he needs me to help. Now Xan tells me where to place the blocks, “Dada, you doing it wrong! The block goes here not there!“
2. Language - It can hurt when a person cuts their hand. Xander is compassionate when someone else hurts. He will listen first and speak second. He will give hugs and kisses when someone else needs one and sometimes he will use a four letter word. I cut myself working on a project and loudly said, “SH@@!!” Xander was standing next to me, “SH@@ Dada, it will be okay! I go get you a band-aid!“
3. Humor – Comedic timing is something we learn as we get older (we know we are funny). Humor is fun, sarcastic and childish. My wife, Melissa was standing in front of the refrigerator when she bumped into Xander. Xander looked at her with a serious face and said, “Momma, move your big butt please!” Melissa was shocked and answered, “Excuse me, did you say I have a big butt? ” Xander smiled at his momma, “Momma you have a big butt! My butt is little!“
4. Career – Adults can show aptitude for things through a career. A career is one way that an adult discovers whom they are. Xander and his cousin, Olivia are both learning more about adult career opportunities through play. They both have become doctors, artist and zoo keepers (see a A Child’s Career Opportunity). They both show others they are ready to become adults and learn their identity.
5. Bravery – I think as we get older we learn to experience the world with new bravery. We begin to realize that we will fall and injure ourselves. We also know that the best way to show courage is by picking ourselves up and continuing on life’s journey. Xander has fallen down many times (see Men vs. Woman and Child Injuries). It was when he fell down and landed on his head that I knew he was growing up. He was brave as the blood spilled from his head and he showed no interest (I was much more concerned than he was).
Getting older is part of life.
Children will grow up (far to quickly). Any father that says they are not “sometimes” sentimental lies. They are lying to friends, family and worst of all themselves. There will come a time in every man’s life that they will look back and wonder where all the time went. As I watch my son grow I always remember that he is a gift to me and my wife. We do not own him. We do not control him (ultimately). The best thing I can do as a father is to love him, guide him and help him to become the 40 year-old man he already thinks he is.
Happy 4th Birthday Son -
I love you -
Daddy
As a child we always wish we were older and as adult we can’t believe how quickly time passes. Did you wish you were older as a child? If you have children, do they “try” to act older than they are? Do you ever remind them that they do not want time to pass so quickly? Tell me in the comments!!
You can read my last post here: Stereotypes – Good or Bad? If you like this post you can follow me on twitter @dadblunders or on my facebook fan page, Dadblunders.
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Tags: birthdays mean getting older, children aging, children growing up is hard on parents
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It is funny how children are always in such a hurry to grow up! My kids are always counting how old they are and including half years. On the other hand, I’d rather not include my age in anything let alone half years! I think telling kids they should cherish the time they have being young is a good message to send, but one that is usually not understood until much later in life. Happy birthday to your son!
Janet,
I agree! It is a wonderful message to tell our children but it is one the ultimately falls on deaf ears. Looking back on my own life I can remember wishing I was an adult and all grown up. Now that I am an adult I often question what I must have been thinking!
Aaron Brinker
Poor Aaron. it’s all downhill from here as Xander grows up and prepares for his new role as a stand up comedian with you and Melissa being the ‘Butt’ of all his jokes. His timing is as good as Groucho Marx already and he just need to apply the innocent face to get away with it.
In actual fact he’ll be four and a big boy tomorrow and by the day after he’ll need his Dada again and for a few years yet and that’s because you’ve never been afraid to show him feellings and don’t tell him big boys don’t cry. Well done you !
David,
I know you are right my friend! Xander is on the road to being the perfect comedian. I wish i could say that I haven’t encouraged some of it but I would be telling a fib….lol
My wife would tell you and this is a direct quote, “She now lives with two smart arses!!” lol – I can’t even say the truth hurts. It is my payback for my wild youth….yikes!!
Aaron Brinker
My oldest turns four in two days. Thank you for such a beautiful post.
Amanda,
Thank you for enjoying it. It all passes by so quickly. I am already wondering where the years have all flown….
Aaron Brinker
Nice post. Yes.. they do grow up SO fast. It’s something you’ve always heard, heard your parents friends say it to them, after they hadn’t seen you in awhile – heard your parents and others say it to you. But it is SO true. I can’t believe I have a son almost 29 years old. I still feel like I should be 29 years old! lol
Sandy,
Thank you! They do grow up far to fast. It just seems like yesterday we were bringing him home and now we are trying to keep up with him (and at times just looking for some silence). I have learned though not to take any of for granted….I know it will all pass by far to quickly!!
Aaron Brinker aka DadBlunders
Hey Aaron
My son, George, turned 5 at the weekend. He’s already got such a mature head on young shoulders.
Every time we get into the car he’s desparate to learn to drive. He definitely wants time to pass too quickly!
Tim,
Happy Birthday to your son! It does pass by quickly (not quick enough for them of course) but I bet there will come a time in their lives they will look back and wonder what happened. I know I am already looking ahead and seeing far to many things in the not so distant future that makes me sad….I guess I am just a little sentimental for a dad.
Aaron Brinker aka DadBlunders
I can clearly see how much you love your son and yep the boy’s cute and very intelligent as well. He’s got a nice sense of humor as well
I always wanted to grow up fast, be an adult – you know go to work, earn an income and the most important thing was to stay away from academics, I didn’t like them that much.
I’m 20 today and boy I miss those days, no responsibility, no negative emotions, just joy, joy and joy!
Your post reminds me well of my childhood days.
Aditya
Aditya,
Thank you! Xander is to smart for his own good, and that can be a big part of the problem! Combine intelligence and humor together and basically it means I am in trouble.
I will tell you that you shouldn’t knock being 20 years-old because it is a wonderful year my friend. Trust me, never speed up the journey because it goes by far to quick.
Aaron Brinker aka DadBlunders
It is a wonderful age, I’m learning so much about responsibility and being a man and I think this is the best age for me. I share my experiences on my blog and it’s good to share such things!
And yes, time is flying by – Remember the days I just got into college and here I am almost finishing it.
Aditya