“Everyone is having a huge playdate today, and they’re bringing their Nerf guns!” my son shared with me excitedly the other day. My heart sank a little; I knew what was coming next.
I steeled myself to address his possible disappointment at not being invited. “Are you upset that you weren’t included?” I asked gently.
“Nah, I’m fine,” he replied, launching into a detailed account of their plans. It seemed he was genuinely happy for his friends—no jealousy, no sadness, just pure joy. Yet again, I marveled at him, wondering where this wise little soul came from.
Raising a child with an old soul is both a privilege and a humbling experience. I recall a moment when he was just two years old. I was having a tough day and tried to hide my feelings from him. He kept gazing at me, and finally reached up to touch my cheek with his tiny hand. The depth of understanding in his eyes took my breath away, as if he truly saw me, even at that young age.
He exudes a calm presence in the midst of chaos. Just this morning, after a frantic last-minute search for homework, boots, and snacks—complete with a bit of parental shouting—he simply skipped to the bus stop. “Why is he so incredibly cheerful?” I asked my husband, who was equally frazzled. “He’s always happy,” my husband replied, and it’s undeniably true. He may be a bit forgetful—his dresser drawers remain perpetually ajar—but that boy radiates happiness.
He shows remarkable patience with his little sister, often translating her toddler babble into something coherent for me, despite hearing the same jumbled words. They share a bond that warms my heart; she seeks him out for comfort after a fall, choosing him over me. He soothes her, tucking her into his lap, and they dive back into their imaginary adventures. Just yesterday, he said, “I had so much fun being wizards with you today. You’re really fun to hang out with.” Moments like this make me melt. Because of him, she will enter the world expecting kindness from everyone she meets.
Emotions run high in our household. The reality of the world can be harsh, and he still reflects on past conversations about animal shelters from two years ago. Yet, like any child, he has his moments—he can be a little mischievous, often lost in his own thoughts, and sometimes tries to take on the role of a third parent. And yes, he can roll his eyes at the simple request to put his clean clothes away.
But his ability to connect with me on a deeper level makes me reconsider everything about life and our place in it. He serves as a reminder of the love and fortune we share. Amid the chaos, he is my calm, often humming off-tune as he learns new things.
Still, I worry about his old soul. I fear that his heart might be broken more easily, as he loves fiercely and wholly. I fret that the modern world will dull his uniqueness, so I often encourage him to step away from screens and engage with nature. I’m concerned that his sensitivity may leave him overwhelmed in a world that can be scary. Most of all, I worry that I’m not equipped to guide him; my soul feels much younger than his.
Raising an old soul brings unexpected moments. When he was three, he told me he searched for a mom with the perfect voice before he was born, and he felt lucky to have found me. “Me too, my sweet boy. Me too.”
For more on the journey of parenthood, check out our other blog posts like this article. If you’re exploring home insemination options, Make a Mom is an excellent resource, as well as Cleveland Clinic for understanding intrauterine insemination.
In summary, raising a child with an old soul is a unique and enriching experience filled with joy, challenges, and deep connections.