Yesterday my two children returned home from visiting their dad in Indiana. It’s now Day 2 and I have five thoughts about the transition.

1. I was emotionally and spiritually prepared. For the few days leading up to their return, I was preparing myself for the transition. While I’ve missed my kids and couldn’t wait to see them, I also realized there could be some challenges with their re-entry. I journaled some of those challenges, prayed a lot and discussed a couple of other thoughts surrounding re-entry.
2. Our kids missed each other. For a few hours, our four children really enjoyed being together. It was especially heart-warming to see my 10 year old step daughter, with shrills and giggles, run out to greet her 14 year old step sister. She JUMPED into her arms. It was a sight to behold. The boys did the handshake/shoulder bump combo that is common with boys who don’t actually want to be caught dead hugging one another.
3. Kids need friends. At 14 and 12, my two are very interested in being with their friends. I believe this is a normal part of adolescence and so I was not surprised that shortly after returning, my 12 year old wanted to call his good friend, and head to Starbucks as a social activity. My 14 year old hasn’t yet jammed the phone lines, but she has already re-engaged with friends in person and on Facebook.
4. Bliss only lasts for so long. Sometime after the 24 hour mark, the nit-picking and arguing started. While I really DON’T like it, I understand that kids don’t always get along. This too shall pass. This afternoon when kids were reaching their breaking point, I realized it was A) time for a snack and B) time for some alone time/down time.
5. Bedtime is still my favorite. Once the kids are in bed, Peter says individual prayers with his two kids and I say individual prayers with my two. We snuggle, talk briefly and then we pray. Typically I’m the one who prays out loud, but last night my 12 year old son began the time with his own prayer, complete with arm pats. It was so sweet!

Here are just a few of the things that have kept us busy:

• Last night’s dinner in the dining room – barbecue ribs, homemade fries & salad
• This morning’s Aglow meeting – led by youth
• An afternoon with two extra teens – lunch, video games, guitar/keyboard/singing, making cookies, playing on the trampoline with the sprinkler
• Tonight – reading and watching a thunderstorm

Tomorrow is another day.

What about you?
How do you handle transitions with your children?