tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36798073.post382366447538547785..comments2009-03-13T07:48:08.880-07:00Randy Smytherksmythe@yahoo.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36798073.post-55415466448230120112009-03-13T07:48:08.880-07:002009-03-13T07:48:08.880-07:00ddan36,<BR/><BR/>The older they get the tougher it gets to keep them close. Once they get to be driving age and get a part-time job with their own money they want their independence.<BR/><BR/>It will be tough on you for awhile, then you just realize the relationship has changed and you have to change with it.<BR/><BR/>My son will be 20 in a month and we are still close, even though we only see each other in passing. The bond is still there but the dynamic has changed. He is in college and working and has his own life. <BR/><BR/>His relationship with his mom is much more complicated because she didn't handle the transition as well.Randy Smythehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07271958472975660101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36798073.post-28194662589998525132009-03-13T07:24:57.749-07:002009-03-13T07:24:57.749-07:00My oldest son is just now hitting the age to drive; this has been a big issue in our house. His mother allows him a lot more freedom then I do. This i think is due to the fact that she is remarried and does not count on her kids to be "there" for her. I get my kids every weekend, when they want to be going out. If I get the car I’m afraid I will not have as much time with them as I did before. I guess this is just how it goes with kids growing up but it’s hard all the same. It is so great you had that time with your son and built such a great relationship. :)ddan36http://www.blogger.com/profile/06142411154646307595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36798073.post-25892582681762237362009-02-05T23:16:09.702-08:002009-02-05T23:16:09.702-08:00I wanted to leave a comment for you to let you know that it's nice to see a dad want to take care of their child. I posted a link from your site on one of my blogs because, having worked in childcare for many years, I don't see a lot of dads. Hope your son never forgets that the bond you have, although it may change, it will never be broken.Rising Phoenixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05038116132935870290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36798073.post-77523189002379401212008-08-17T18:00:18.115-07:002008-08-17T18:00:18.115-07:00Great info, thanks for sharing. I would not change my life for anything. I see that I am not alone. <BR/><BR/>http://amg22.blogspot.com/Drehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17663419322277210086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36798073.post-7893001541233883422008-08-17T17:50:30.385-07:002008-08-17T17:50:30.385-07:00I can relate! My oldest is getting ready to get her own place and having a baby. It just seems like a dream and I feel like just yesterday she was still a toddler.Tesshttp://www.sixfeetunderblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36798073.post-21216296098233130032008-01-05T23:01:01.203-08:002008-01-05T23:01:01.203-08:00OMG I've been skimming through your blog and I almost want to cry! My son is two yrs old and I know we're going to have that bond. Often times I think that one day he will build his life and get married and I'm going to lose my baby boy!!! He will always be my baby boy! Reading your blog only tells me the unavoidable. 16 more yrs to go! LoL<BR/><BR/>~mario<BR/><BR/>http://papisoltero.blogspot.com/prelude619http://www.blogger.com/profile/02944274301492074315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36798073.post-50444259949670793072007-11-07T09:58:53.421-08:002007-11-07T09:58:53.421-08:00I think it's completely understandable that you want to keep your car time :) It's difficult to talk parent to child especially when that child is an 18 yr old man now and when you're confined in a small space it's easier to keep his attention and have that bonding time. I'm sure your son will find that he misses that bonding time just as much as you do and you guys will both find a way to make up for that lost time :)Kidazyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217579406651930779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36798073.post-18386244240705246252007-08-08T16:28:07.776-07:002007-08-08T16:28:07.776-07:00Hi Randy<BR/>I enjoyed reading your post... just had to comment!<BR/><BR/>Don't worry... you are not going to lose your "car buddy". It may not be each day but the "car time" will remain a special time. Take it from a single mom of 24 years (smiles). I have traded in several cars over the years but my favorite "car buddy" has remained the same. <BR/><BR/>Even as a baby... when she could not sleep... a nice little drive around the block would send my little "car buddy" right to dreamland. <BR/><BR/>I will always treasure the trips to and from school, basketball games, rec ball games, youth meetings, college visits, etc. Believe me... the car buddies treasure the "car time" too.<BR/><BR/>Recently my fully employed, college graduate, "living on my own", graphic designer daughter and I took a car daytrip to Virginia. It was her idea... she asked me to join her on the drive. We talked and laughed the whole way there and back. Had a ball!!<BR/><BR/>So believe me when I say that your parent-child relationship may change after 18th or 21st birthday but "car time" will not be over. It may be less frequent trips... new topics... new destinations but not over. Oh, yea... the best part is that you get to sit back in the passenger seat and enjoy the ride and the company of your "car buddy" and "friend". So enjoy now but still look forward to tomorrow!Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480364233428621734noreply@blogger.com