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Embracing the Joy of Carrying My Toddler
In the realm of parenting, one often encounters a spectrum of preferences and practices that shape the daily experiences of raising children. A common scenario involves the act of carrying one’s toddler, a practice that can elicit various responses from both parents and onlookers.
My son, whom I will refer to as Leo, is 3.5 years old. There are moments when he requests to be picked up with a polite “Please carry me,” while at other times he expresses this desire less graciously, proclaiming, “Carry me!” as he suddenly halts in his tracks, often causing me to stumble. Occasionally, he simply raises his arms toward me in silent expectation. It is not uncommon for me to initiate this interaction as well; I often inquire if he is fatigued or if he would like me to carry him. When I gather him into my arms, I feel the warmth of his small body resting against me, his legs draping around my sides, and his head nestled on my shoulder.
Despite societal expectations suggesting that I should encourage Leo to walk independently, I find immense joy in carrying him. On a recent family trip, I carried him several blocks from our destination to the parking area, as well as through various exhibits at a local museum. The weight of my son, though growing, remains manageable, and I cherish the closeness it affords us, especially in unfamiliar settings. He is still very much a child, and I want to embrace these moments as he transitions into a more independent phase of life.
Even my partner, Jake, acknowledges the need for Leo to walk on his own. While he recognizes that Leo’s weight can be burdensome, he often takes him from me, cradling him closely and enjoying the intimacy of the moment. As our family grows, we both understand that soon enough, Leo will no longer request to be carried. This realization is bittersweet, as I am reminded of the fleeting nature of these early years.
Parenting is a journey marked by growth and change, as we witness our children evolve from infants into independent beings. Our eldest son, Max, who is now 7, has traversed this path, transforming from a dependent toddler into an energetic child who often rushes ahead. Our middle child, Oliver, took a bit longer to gain confidence in his walking abilities, but he eventually embraced his independence, favoring the companionship of hand-holding over being carried.
For now, Leo thrives on being carried. He frequently requests piggyback rides from his older brother, who happily complies. Each morning, I lift him from his bed and carry him to the living room, where he settles in for his favorite show. Our daily routines involve multiple instances of me picking him up, whether for dressing or simply to enjoy the comfort of his presence. The scent of his hair, a mix of childhood sweetness and the activity of the day, is a reminder of how precious this time is.
It is essential to recognize that these moments of closeness will not last forever. Soon, Leo will prefer to race ahead with his siblings, exploring the world without needing to be carried. The physical connection of holding him close serves as a reminder that he is still my little boy, a reality that will inevitably change.
As I navigate these experiences, I understand the importance of cherishing the intimacy of carrying my toddler. Each moment spent with him in my arms strengthens our bond and reinforces the fleeting nature of childhood. I urge parents to embrace these opportunities while they can, as time is a relentless force.
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Time is short, and each moment is precious.