Growing Up and Letting Go.....At Least a Little

A few days ago Archer and four of his friends went to a local "indoor entertainment facility".  They each got an all day pass a off they went.  Without parents.  Eek!  Archer is old enough for this, he is more than mature enough for it, he was not alone.  I however was a nervous wreck.  He is still my baby right?  He will always be my baby, but he is growing up.  It is hard as a parent to give our kids more freedom.  I knew he would be okay.  I knew he would do what he was supposed to do.  knew he would make good choices.  I knew that he is one of the most responsible kids his age that I know.  I knew all of that, yet I still worried.  I suppose the worry never really goes away.  It should not go away as we love them and want what is best for them.  It is best for them to grow, to learn, to get more freedom, and eventually leave the nest.  I am thankful that he will not be leaving the nest for many more years.  Until that time I will have to learn to slowly let go of him being my baby and embrace the young man he has become.  I am glad that I have a little more time before the rest of the kids hit that particular milestone! For that day Archer had a fantastic time hanging out with his friends, playing laser tag, riding go kart, playing the arcade, just being a pre-teen boy.  There is time enough for him to grow up.