Hello there, onlooker judging my parenting from a distance in the playground. Yes, that was my 3-year-old daughter who just barreled into a lamp post for no apparent reason. And yes, I’m her mom—standing here, not rushing over to stop her, and not picking her up off the ground.
I can sense your judgment; you probably think I’m neglectful. Who knows? Maybe you’re right. We’ll have to wait and see how she turns out in a decade or so. Just be sure to give me your social media handle before you leave, so I can reach out if she becomes a notorious troublemaker.
Here’s the truth: I know my daughter better than anyone. She spent nine months growing inside me, and I’ve been with her every day since. Initially, I panicked every time she fell, which was often. During her walking phase, she once had three split lips in a single day at just 10 months old. It was quite the scene. I’d send frantic texts to my friend Sarah, who has two amazing kids of her own.
“Do you think she needs stitches?!”
“Nah, she’ll be fine. Split lips heal just fine!” (Sarah is my go-to parenting guru).
After many anxious moments, I learned to read my daughter’s cues better. Now, I can usually tell whether she’ll bounce back, need some cuddles, or if we should pack up and head to the ER.
Despite what you may think, I’m keeping a close eye on her, like an eagle watching its prey. It takes a lot of willpower to refrain from intervening when I know she’s about to make a questionable choice. If she’s in a situation that could lead to serious injury, I’m there in a flash. However, if it’s just a scrape or bruise waiting to happen? Well, carry on, little adventurer!
To me, that lamp post symbolizes all the bumps life will throw her way. It’s inevitable, especially with her fiery personality. My hope as a parent is that she learns from these little mishaps and thinks, “Oops, won’t do that again.”
Who knows, maybe next time she’ll spot the lamp post ahead and navigate around it, making us look like the perfectly normal family. A parent can dream, right? No, your eye is twitching, not mine!
I wish I could shield her from every bump while still allowing her to learn. Often, the lessons don’t stick unless there’s a little bit of pain involved. And you know what? I admire her for that spirit. She’s got determination. I can see her thinking: “Really, Mom? You think I shouldn’t jump that high? Just watch me!”
That quality will serve her well, provided she learns how to channel it appropriately. We’re still working on that, of course.
Every day feels like a balancing act, trying not to dim that spark in her eyes while ensuring she doesn’t give me a heart attack or seriously injure herself. It’s a daunting realization that our fragile hearts are entrusted to these tiny, unpredictable beings.
So, fellow park visitor, I see you watching me from the swings, and I understand that your disapproving gaze comes from a place of love. You have your own little one out there, and I can see your heart resting in her small hands as she climbs the jungle gym. You’re just as anxious as I am.
This parenting journey is incredibly challenging. And now, I’m feeling a bit emotional. Yikes!
You know what? I’m coming over to chat—are you a fist bump person or a hugger? Because I’m definitely a hugger.
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In summary, parenting is a complex balancing act of allowing children to learn through their own experiences while providing the necessary support and protection. Scrapes and bruises are merely part of the journey, helping them grow and understand the world around them.