Yesterday was a day I’d rather forget. As a parent, I often find myself grappling with the joys and challenges of summer break. It’s a paradox: it’s blissful yet overwhelming. Can something be both delightful and daunting? Because that’s the essence of parenthood for me.
Transitioning from having my three kids in school for over six hours each day to having them home 24/7 has proven to be quite the hurdle. I’m still trying to strike a balance between accomplishing my work tasks and nurturing my children with love and care. As I’ve shared in past experiences, summer can be relentless.
My youngest, Lily, has developed a fascination with two things: electrical outlets and her baby doll. In fact, she was busy demonstrating to her doll how to safely explore the outlet in her room. #Multitasking
Fortunately, this summer is slightly easier than the previous ones, as my kids are growing older and more self-sufficient. Lily will turn 3 next week, and I finally feel like we’re moving past a particularly challenging phase in motherhood.
Just yesterday afternoon, we returned from a fun outing at the park. The boys hurried out of the van, excited to hear kids playing next door, and they asked if they could join them. I gave them the okay and took Lily inside. She was a mess—clothes smeared with peanut butter and dirt—so I quickly stripped her down to her diaper.
I dashed to the bathroom with her trailing behind, as usual, my little shadow. Just then, my phone rang; it was my sister, and she wasn’t feeling well. As I strained to understand her through the noise, Lily decided to make her presence known, getting louder and louder. My stress levels began to spike.
In an attempt to regroup, I slipped into my bedroom and closed the door. I heard Lily cry out in the hall, but when the noise stopped, I felt relieved. I emerged a few minutes later, only to be engulfed by a wave of panic.
My heart sank. The back door was wide open.
“Lily!” I called, my voice rising in fear. She was gone. Or hiding. Or worse.
I heard a voice from across the street; it was our neighbor, Mrs. Thompson. “I just saw a little girl go through the backyard!” she shouted.
I was barefoot, but that didn’t matter. I sprinted in the direction Mrs. Thompson indicated. The sheer panic was overwhelming; I could barely feel my feet as I ran, calling out Lily’s name, my heartbeat echoing in my ears.
Then I spotted her—a tiny figure wandering one street over, clad only in her diaper, clutching a small toy pet carrier. The look on her face when she saw my horror is etched in my memory.
“Never again,” I said with tears streaming down my face.
“Not with my puppy?” she asked, confused.
“Never, ever. Don’t leave this house without an adult,” I insisted, wiping away my tears.
I’m sharing this experience to illustrate how quickly little ones can vanish. How many times have I heard stories of toddlers wandering off and thought, “Where was the parent?” Well, that parent was me. I was right there, and it still happened.
I consider myself a good mom—attentive, caring, and involved. But kids can be quick, and unexpected moments arise. Today, I’m holding my children a little tighter and feeling thankful for their safety, mindful that not every mom has the same luck.
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Summary
Yesterday, my toddler Lily wandered off while I was distracted, highlighting how quickly children can disappear. Though I consider myself a good parent, such moments can happen to anyone. I’m sharing this experience to encourage other parents to stay vigilant and to remind ourselves that we’re not alone in facing these challenges.