40s Parenting

Is it easier - or harder - to stay one step ahead of your kids when you're in your 40s? I've been wondering.

Today my 8yo called after school asking to visit a friend's house. No problem, but it was the WAY she asked that impressed me. It was like she was building a case: "Mommy, can I go to my friend's house since I have no homework today - my teacher told you right?..." (So she was planning this in the middle of the school day... with her teacher... during standardized testing???) "And since it's not a church night... and since Grandfather's here..." Chores are done.... I'm not in trouble... I've been good this week.... etc. etc. I get it.

But I'm thinking, what's this conversation going to be like in a few years, when they're smarter and I'm more experienced, but more mentally drained too? Are my kids going to be able to 'outsmart' me?

"Mom, if you let me take your car to the mall, I'll fill it up with gas on the way and pick up your groceries on the way home. Actually, I can pick up my friends on the way in case I need some help. Oh - and can I stay out a little later... you know... since I'm running some errands for you... on my way back from the MALL?!?!"

I don't think I'd fall for that now... but 10 years from now???

I have 40-something friends whose kids are married adults, some even with children. Because so many of us waited into our 30s to have kids, many of us are hitting 40 still going to school plays and doing double-digit subtraction for homework every night after work.

And these kids are getting smarter and smarter. My 6-year-old knows how to operate the FIOS remote and all the TV accessories (DVD, etc.) , including recording and playing shows on the DVR. I sit down at the end of the night to watch an episode of "Law and Order" and have to scroll through all sorts of Disney and Nick shows I know I never recorded. Where did he learn that? We certainly never sat down and showed him. Granted, maybe we need to limit the TV time even more, but it cracks me up how he just sort of 'figured out' the electronic stuff.

Then again, I know a lot more than I did 15-20 years ago. It's harder for them to pull things over on me now.
Plus, 40s parenting is fun! Having lived a bit more, I feel like I enjoy appreciate my kids so much more than I would have in my 20s.

Your thoughts?