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Absolutely, He’s My World
Recently, a casual acquaintance remarked on how I’ve made my 2-year-old the “center of my world.” While it wasn’t a comment meant to hurt, it struck a nerve. Here’s the thing: parents of young children are navigating a complex landscape of needs—not just their little ones’, but their own too. We don’t need added guilt or judgment.
Let’s be real: he’s just two, and in my eyes, that’s still a baby. So, yes, my son is currently the focal point of my existence.
I recognize that this phase is fleeting. I’ve been here before with my older child, Oliver, who is now eight years old. He’s independent, potty-trained, and has developed a knack for eye-rolling that could rival a seasoned teenager. Incredible, isn’t it?
But when it comes to my younger son, who still seeks me out first thing in the morning and finds comfort in my embrace during tough moments, he’s undeniably my everything at this stage. And it’s perfectly okay for it to be that way.
Of course, I value myself outside of motherhood. I promote independence in my children and strive to maintain connections with family and friends, as well as stay engaged with the world. But right now, while my little one is still in diapers and requires constant adult supervision, I’m prioritizing him over many other aspects of my life.
I’m not glued to his side every moment of the day, but even when he’s in someone else’s care, he’s on my mind. I trust that whoever is with him is attentive enough to keep him safe and can decipher his toddler language when he gets upset. My concern isn’t obsessive, but it’s definitely different from how I feel when my older son is away from me. There’s a unique connection with my younger child—a bond that feels instinctive.
For now, my choices revolve around his needs. This could mean opting for work that allows for flexibility, even if it means a tighter budget. It involves saying no to lavish vacations and big purchases while embracing simplicity and thriftiness. It means navigating sleepless nights, early mornings, and fewer outings with my spouse. My nights out are often cut short, and I sometimes leave family gatherings early to ensure I’m home for bedtime.
This intense period with young children is just that—a season. A brief moment in time focused on nurturing and giving, often to the point of exhaustion. It’s about learning to carve out time for myself amidst the chaos, acknowledging that I can’t please everyone, and accepting help when it’s offered. I aim to cherish the many blessings in my life, while also recognizing that sometimes, I wish for a break from the relentless pace of my days.
With my younger son’s third birthday approaching, I can already sense the transition happening. Soon, I’ll find myself in the role of a mother of children, rather than just babies or toddlers. While this next phase promises to be liberating, it also tugs at my heartstrings.
Gone will be the softness of his little hands and the days when my kisses were the cure for his hurts. I’ll miss the mornings when he wants me to linger a little longer in bed, his tiny toes pressing into my belly, his fingers tangled in my hair.
Though a mother’s bond never truly disappears, it does change over time. As my children grow, our priorities will evolve, and the ties will gradually loosen. Already, I can feel my son beginning to venture away from me, albeit clumsily. But I hope that I’m instilling in him the confidence and strength he needs to take flight one day. As he spreads his wings, I trust he’ll carry a piece of me in his heart.
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In summary, the journey of motherhood is both a challenge and a reward. While my young child is currently my main focus, I know this season will pass. I cherish the moments we have now, understanding that they shape not only his world but mine as well.