Hard to watch them grow up

[Edog537]

My oldest son will be 12 in August. I realized the other day he does not need or want me around with his buddies. He recently received his Arrow of Light and crossed over to a Boy Scout Troop. His first camping trip with the Troop is this weekend. He asked me to not attend. I know it is natural but it is hard to let him become independent in certain areas. I am basically talking Mom off the ledge. We have been together for every milestone in his life thus far. Any advice to help us through this time?

 

[Rzr570]

Let him go. Forcing yourself will only drive a wedge between y'all. IMO.

 

[Plinker66]

It's a blessing to have your son become independent. Consider the alternatives.

 

[Edog537]

I fully intend to let him go. The best way for a young man to learn is by doing things themselves. I had no parents growing up. It is hard not to be over zealous in my parenting.

 

[JimJohn]

It doesn't get any easier, you just learn to deal with it. Mine became independent at 11, end of childhood. Now's when he needs your guidance more than ever to teach him to be good and honorable man

 

[MRH]

I dread the day myself. My son is 3 and is my shadow, and I enjoy every minute of it. I know it won't last forever...

 

[Edog537]

Well luckily I have an 8 year old girl and a 1 year old boy as well. I am blessed. Don't get me wrong. I am proud of the young man he is becoming but I wish I could turn back time.

 

[Georgia Terrapin]

I am basically talking Mom off the ledge.

This is why Moms shouldn't be involved in Boy Scout adventure activities. Moms need to stay home and rest up so they can patch 'em up when they return. And that's when the boys need their Moms.

 

[troutman]

Sounds like you're doing a good job. Be proud that he wants his independence.

When my oldest was 14, my wife and youngest were out of town 1 weekend so the 2 of us went fishing that Saturday and had a great day. On the way home, I told him about a little lake I knew about and we should try it out the next day. He hesitated and then told me he was gonna hang out with his buds that day. It must have been dusty in my truck when he told me because my eyes got watery.

Now that he's older,he's 17, we fish about every weekend. I don't care how old they get, they still need dad. My dad died 10 years ago and I leaned on him often.

 

[Dingo]