Recently, my son, Liam, burst into the room with excitement. “All my friends are having a huge playdate today with Nerf guns and everything!” he exclaimed. My heart sank, anticipating his disappointment over not being included. I cautiously asked, “Are you feeling down about not being invited?”
“Not at all! I’m happy for them,” he replied, genuinely thrilled about his friends’ plans. For the millionth time in his 10 years, I marveled at his ability to find joy in others’ happiness. Where did this child come from?
Raising a child with an old soul can be profoundly humbling. I recall a moment when he was just two years old, and I was trying to mask my sadness during lunch. He looked at me, reached out with his tiny hand to touch my cheek, and gazed into my eyes with a depth of understanding that took my breath away. It was as if he could see right through to my core.
Liam consistently exudes a serene energy. Just this morning, after a frantic search for homework, socks, and snow boots—complete with our frantic hollering—he calmly skipped down the driveway to catch the bus. I turned to my husband, frazzled and disheveled, and asked, “Why is he so incredibly happy?”
“He’s always like that,” my husband replied, and he’s right. Despite his occasional clumsiness, like leaving his dresser drawers open, Liam radiates joy.
He shows remarkable patience with his little sister, Sophie, often interpreting her nonsensical toddler speak as if he has a direct line to her thoughts. When she scrapes her knee, she runs to him for comfort instead of seeking me out. He holds her close and reassures her, after which they seamlessly return to their imaginative play. Just yesterday, he told her, “I had so much fun being wizards today. You’re really great to hang out with.” His kindness sets a standard for how she will expect to be treated as she grows up.
The emotional landscape in our home is rich and complex. Liam still reflects on our conversations about animal shelters from years ago, processing those lessons with a depth that astonishes me. Yet, like any child, he has his moments of mischief and can be quite bossy, often trying to play the role of a third parent. He can also be forgetful and has a knack for rolling his eyes when asked to put away his clothes, just like any typical 10-year-old.
Nevertheless, he possesses a profound ability to connect, prompting me to ponder life, existence, and the love that binds us. He is my calming presence amidst chaos, often humming to himself as he engages in creative activities.
However, I sometimes worry about his old soul. I fear that his capacity for love will lead to heartbreak, as he invests himself wholly in those he cares about. I also fret that the modern world might dull his unique spirit, prompting me to encourage him to step away from screens and embrace the wonders of nature. I worry that his sensitivity may make life feel overwhelming at times.
Most of all, I often question my capabilities as a parent. I sometimes feel that my soul lacks the wisdom his seems to possess.
When he was three, he told me that before he was born, he searched far and wide for a mom with the perfect voice and was overjoyed when he found me. I feel the same way, sweet boy.
In conclusion, nurturing a child with an old soul is a remarkable journey filled with challenges and joys. Each day brings new surprises and insights, reminding us of the beauty of connection and love.
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