My kids are 9 1/2 and 13. It suddenly struck me the other day that neither of them qualify as "little" anymore. They are "big kids" now. I am now, solidly, the mother of a tween and a teen. My son is headed off to High School next year (gulp). Crazy.
I have definitely entered a new phase of this parenting gig.
For both of them I can see moments of the grown-up people they will be. My teen son is independent, chillin' with friends and making choices and decisions I never even know about. My tween daughter, the tomboy, is strong and clear headed. A young woman in the making.
In one significant way this stage reminds me of the baby phase. Not the crying or sleep deprivation or constant neediness - although all occasionally present again - but in the massive growth of these two beings!
Seems like yesterday:
But I guess it wasn't:
Between the need for new clothes, the endless appetite from both of them (my son now eats more than his father, easily finishing an adult-sized meal) and the constant carpooling for two kids both active in two competitive sports each, the costs can get seriously out of control. This type of spending is inevitable. They grow! What can you do?
However, lately I have been reassured to see that I am earning at least a little of this back as I continue to test out the TrueEarnings Card from Costco and American Express. The more I test drive this card, the better I feel about it. With 3% cash back on restaurant purchases, those adult-sized meals my kids devour don't hit quite so hard. With up to 2% cash back on fill-ups from carpooling and up to 1% cash back on everything else, at least I feel that I am catching a bit of a break. I also use the Card for my weekly trips to Costco, where I can outfit and indulge the needs of my growing family.
It is odd looking back. I remember thinking when they were small how far off all of this seemed. How impossible it was that these two would ever grow that big and how unfathomable it was that I would ever be the mother of a tween and teen. But, it turns out, it is not only possible but inevitable. And strangely, it took no time at all.
This post is sponsored by the TrueEarnings Card from Costco and American Express. The experiences and opinions are my own.
I can totally relate! My kids are eating machines (where do they put it all?) and we made a visit to Costco yesterday. We spend an average of $200-$300 each time we visit. This card makes total sense. Save a little while you're spending anyway is a great idea!
I love Costco!!! The one stop shop is awesome and the quality of their produce and all other foods speaks for itself. I like the idea of this card saving me money when I am spending it! (And where else can you knock off so many Christmas presents in one place).
Kids do grow up so fast...I know exactly what you mean. And eat....oh my gosh the food is endless her in my home. I do not know what I did before Costco and now I can earn money while I spend it...I love it. These days every little bit counts!!