Parenting.

Who said it would be easy?

This afternoon while I was out grabbing a cup of tea, I followed a dad and his daughter down the sidewalk back to my office.  She was probably 5 or 6 years old and I smiled watching her holding tightly on to her daddy's hand and trying to keep up - taking two or three steps for every one of his.  They walked with purpose and joy down the block and I couldn't help but smile.  She reminded me of Juliana.

But that's the problem.

Even though she is approaching 10, I still think of my girl as 5 or 6.  She's my baby, after all.

Then there is Sheldon.  He was born wise beyond his years and full of energy.  Every year around his birthday I am shocked at how quickly another year has passed.  He's my big boy, after all.

Believe me, I'm not in any rush for them to grow up. If I had it my way I'd grow old cuddling their little bodies on the couch, their little hands stroking the ends of my hair.  But apparently they are going to grow whether I like it or not.

The problem is that even though I'm aware that I shouldn't treat the boy different from the girl, I realized today that I totally do.

Sheldon has always seemed more mature and capable than his age.  And because of that I've always expected a lot.  Too much, maybe.  His chores, his behaviours, and his maturity.  Not surprisingly we butt heads over this kind of stuff.  Not surprisingly we butt heads over 'it's not fair' - probably one of my least favourite expressions out of my kids (any kids) mouths.  But this time he might be right.

Juliana has always had Sheldon to help her out.  I rely on him to help her too often these days with chores around the house.  I let it slide too easily when she doesn't take responsibility for her actions.  When she gets distracted while doing her chores, she gets off the hook much more easily than her brother.

Today, as I watched that little girl on the sidewalk I realized that Juliana isn't that little girl anymore.  She's got legs long enough to keep up with her daddy now, she's smart enough to understand consequences, and she's certainly capable of upping her responsibilities in life.

And far too often I miss the things that Sheldon does for me, without being asked.

It's time for me to see my children for who they really are.  And be grateful for all that they do - with or without the prompting.

It's only fair.