My friend just texted me a photo of her daughter walking into first grade and said, ‘She’s growing up, sobbbbb.” Oh my gosh, I remember those heart pangs! But, for anyone who needs it, I would like to act as your friendly older cousin/big sis/Internet bff and reassure you that parenthood doesn’t end after toddlerhood or kindergarten or elementary school. Your kids never stop needing you — plus, in many ways, I’ve found that it only gets more fun.

On that note, here are 10 things I’m LOVING about preteens and teens…

1. You’ll watch TV shows together that you actually…enjoy?!! Instead of slogging through Bubble Guppies and Rescue Bots, we’re now binging Friends and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. (What shows and movies do you like watching with older kids? Always love recs.)

2. Texting with your child can be hilarious. The other day, Anton slept at a friend’s house, and at midnight, he texted, “Night Ma.” Another time, I texted Toby, “I love you so much; you and Anton are the great joys of my life,” and he replied, simply, “k.”

3. They’ll finally carry stuff. After years of your shlepping them around, your kids will bring in the pizza and groceries. (Reminds me of this funny reel.)

4. You can do “self care” together. Toby and Anton have gotten into face wash and moisturizers and even beg to use my ice roller. Best of all, they’re ALWAYS up for a Sephora trip to smell colognes. (They’re never not wearing Dior Sauvage lol).

5. After years of teaching them about consent, you’ll see them respecting children, friends and adults and even employing the Keanu Reeves hand hover. My heart!

6. Your kids’ deep thinking can bring you to your knees. At bedtime, Anton used to chat about cowboy boots and skateboards and ask questions like, “What are hours?” Nowadays, he wants to get my thoughts on politics and culture and what happens when we die. So amazing to see your kids minds grow.

7. Now they’re actually good at games and give you a run for your money.

8. They’ll rub your feet while watching a movie AND CHARGE ONLY $1 PER MINUTE!!!!!!!

9. You’ll witness them growing up. It makes me teary to watch Toby babysit toddlers (he caps his sessions at one hour because “omg it’s exhausting“) and ask older neighborhood ladies how their mornings are treating them. And you can see how any difficulties they’ve had through the years are helping them become resilient and empathetic.

10. But, no matter how old they get, they’ll always be your babies. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

How old are the kids in your life? Parents of preteens/teens, what would you add?

P.S. 21 completely subjective rules for raising teenage girls and teenage boys.