I drive my nine-year-old son to school every day. Each morning as he prepares to get out of the car he leans forward and plants a big kiss on my cheek. "Bye, Mom," he says.

"Have a good day. I'll see you after school," I reply.

Since he's my fourth son, I savor this little morning ritual, because I know what comes next. Somewhere between 4th and 6th grade the goodbye kisses will end. He'll have more on his mind as he leaves for school than saying goodbye to his Mom, and besides, what if one of his friends should catch him?

Thankfully, goodnight kisses in my experience last into the early teen years before they too taper off.

How about you? Do your children still kiss you goodbye? Do you have leave-taking rituals?

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