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As parents, when the natural progression of life occurs we are flung straight from toddlerdom to the realm of adolescence…surprisingly, these two age-groups aren’t all that different.  This is something one of my dearest friends, Cassandra “KC” Smallwood knows all about.  A phenomenal writer, an unwavering faithful friend, and someone with a personality as sweet as the South’s tea, it’s a grace to be able to welcome KC to the blog today.

Lacey's a mama of toddlers and I'm a mama of teenagers. You wouldn't think we'd have that much in common, but … well, let me give you an example of a typical weekday at our house and you can decide.

7:00 a.m.: time to wake the devils children. Emma (14) is usually fairly cheerful, but Liz likes to get ready then go back to bed until it's time to leave for school. She's only 12 so hair and makeup isn't a thing yet. Thomas (17) lies in bed until the absolute last minute and then barrels down growling at anything and anyone in his way.

8:00 a.m.: time to deposit the children at day care school. The six-block drive to school is either a perfect opportunity to discuss the upcoming day and agree on a battle plan or a perfect opportunity to complain about the lack of hot breakfast, bemoan the failure to complete homework and lash out at siblings who dare to  comment on your rant.

12:00 p.m.: time to pet encourage the children. Each day around noon I begin getting texts from the offspring. Some days they just want to say 'hi'. Other days they're confirming the evenings' plans. Most days they're reaching out to complain. They complain about the school food (or lack thereof- whole other post), their teachers and their friends; public school is rife with dangers and disappointments.

3:37 p.m.: time to entertain the children. The hours between school and supper are hard for a mama. The kids are tired and hungry and bored. It's unfair to ask them to do homework as they've just left the slave mines school and chores and piano practice are equally burdensome. Basically, they just want to lie around, watch TV and eat. There're two late afternoon differences for teenagers and toddlers: the food and the TV content. Now my kids down entire bags of chips and drink gallons of milk rather than cute little pouches of fruit snacks and teddy grahams. And they binge on Malcolm in the Middle and Gilmore Girls rather than Little Bear and Dragon Tales. Oh how I miss Little Bear.

10:00 p.m.: time to give up put the children to bed. Teenagers, like toddlers, don't want to go to bed. They want to text their friends, listen to music and play WWE smack down with their dog.  2:00 a.m. feedings are still a thing and 3:00 a.m. showers are not unheard of. I used to fight it 'cause children need their sleep, but the truth is, I need more sleep than they do. Besides, they get to sleep until 7:55 the next morning, while I'm up screaming at them gently reminding them that they're GONNA BE LATE!

Lacey, you have so much to look forward to!