The Stages Parents Go Through

It’s just a stage they’re going through
Isn’t that what we say?
The terrible twos, the silent teen,
And all the stages in between.

I think that more needs to be said,
Of stages parents go through.
I spent such time in helping kids,
I’ve changed more than I knew.

No one needs their pancakes cut,
Or hand held at the street.
No longer do I tie their shoe,
Or change a bed-wet sheet.

We don’t sing about a spider,
Climbing up a spout,
We don’t read ‘I think I can’,
As the little train pulls out.

Instead, I’m shopping with my daughter,
For bras and camisoles,
And Brent says his size 10 shoes
Have holes in both the soles.

Sarah wants her hair in layers,
Just above her shoulder.
Miranda wants an off-cut bob,
To look a little older.

Bryce is making omelets,
Do I want onions chopped in mine?
Brent is vacuuming the hall,
And wiping walls of grime.

Instead of waking early,
To crawl into my bed,
They stay up late and want to talk,
To clear what’s in their head.

They need money for the movies,
For track team and a yearbook,
They need clothes for next week’s concert,
Or the latest fashion look.

The jeans they bought get tight and short,
In less time than we talk,
They grow so fast I think that I
Should invest in Levi stock.

Last year four went to VBS
This year it’s only one.
Now only 2 in AWANA,
This too will soon be done.

It’s just a stage I’m going through,
I pass through with some sorrow,
Who knows what change is coming,
I’m glad God holds tomorrow!