today was my 6 year old's first day of 1st grade, seems like only yesterday he was a newborn swaddled in a blanket. As he got up by himself, got dressed by himself, made his own bowl of cereal and walked out to the bus by himself, (despite my numorous offerings to do all of this for him) i realized he doesnt need me like he used to, and he'll need me less and less as time goes by. This is sad to me for some reason. Is this something all parents go through ? or am I just being weird about it?

Nothing weird at all. I've been going through the same thing for years. I think it's good for parents to realize this--time is so precious, especially when it comes to our children. They *do* grow up quickly--it's all over in a blink of an eye (though, I have to admit, some of the teen years can feel like time is swimming through wet cement ). Whenever you feel sad, give him a hug and remember: you're just doing your job--helping him grow up to be an independent person--but with lots of love and guidance along the way. (As an aside, we've lived near a busy city street for years and, quite literally, my daughter had to tell me "Mommmm, I DON'T need help crossing the street--please go home" Ouch.

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For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind. Ralph Waldo Emerson

yea i heard the 'i dont need you to walk me to the bus' this morning, it hurt lol i almost cried. i went in the house and watched him from the window , you know, just incase but turns out he did just fine without me, there's alot of older kids at the bus stop too i think they kinda watch out for the little ones (high school kids 16-18) but i still get nervous, ya know?

Siren, this is not strange at all. Taking phycology taught me many things especially this. It is called the "empty cradle" syndrome. I know your son will grow every day, he will need you less and less. But help him with the things he needs you for now, make the time last and take no minute for granted.

Women usually have this feeling even more when they are single mothers because they rely more on thier children for love than anyone else.

Keep in mind that if he is that independant now, then you are doing a great job as a mother and you should commend yourself for this.

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I don't really believe that children need their parents less and less as they get older. I think that in reality children still need their parents, but in different ways and for different reasons. Many many grown adults still seek affection and support from their parents. Home is comfortable, the voice is comfortable. They still seek parents for wisdom, they even call you when they know you're going to disagree! You never ever stop being a parents once you are and they never stop having a parent, even after they become one. Especially as a mom you'll end up cooking them meals still when they're in their 30's! You might be cooking for more than one, but you'll still be doing it!

Your kids may not need you to hold their hand, or walk them to the bus. They may not need you to check their homework anymore, or help them pick out their clothes or wash behind their ears. Part of your job as a parents is to teach them how to do those things on their own, and you never stop teaching and they never stop learning.

When your little boy has his first baby what do you think he's going to do? Totally freak out! And he's going to be calling you asking you advice and needing your help. In instances like those that will be coming up, how could you ever believe that your children will ever stop needing you? You're their mommy. And you always always always will be.

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"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~Dr. Seuss

"There is no opinion worth burning your neighbor for" ~ Voltaire

Odrah is right. My son is 21, and the way he needs me now is just different. I still cried a little Saturday morning when he drove off for his senior year at college, but one of the rewarding parts of having a son his age is that now he understands a little of what grownup life is like, so he respects my experience and ideas on how to handle challenges. He can see the wisdom now in some of the things that I do (that maybe seemed crazy to him before).

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Lioness

thanks you guys made me feel a little better. i still miss them when they were tiny babies , wish they stayed that little and needy forever lol