By Guest
Contributor, Kim Como
As mothers, from the moment our children are
born, and even before, we have hopes and dreams for them.
We want them to grow up to be big and strong,
convincing them that in order to do so they MUST eat all of their vegetables,
even the green ones!
So why is it when my almost 4-year old son came
to me before bed, fully dressed in his “jammies“ without any help, I cried (we’re
talking all choked up, full on tears)?
Isn't this what I want? Don't I want him to get
bigger, to grow up and be self-sufficient? I should have been proud of
his new found independence, yet my heart was breaking because of it.
It only took a moment for me to realize that my
sadness came out of my own selfishness; a fear that as "my baby" gets
older he won't need me anymore. Deep down inside, I know that’s not the case...in
fact, I know he will need me even more. He will face challenges much greater
than getting dressed for bed and I will have to hope that I’ve taught him well
“enough” to make the right decisions.
In the meantime, I will proudly stand back and watch
my “baby” navigate the world, cheering him on every step of the way AND do my
best to hold back my tears!
If you’re a parent, how do you feel when it comes to your children's growing independence?
Photo credit: Kim Como
My baby is 3 and the more independent she is the easier it is for me! I'm tired and old :)
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