After dinner today, a moment unfolded that made time stand still for me. As I cleared the table, my partner was busy washing dishes, while my daughter showcased her latest dance moves around our kitchen island. She twirled and leaped with an elegance that took my breath away, singing “Scars to Your Beautiful” at the top of her lungs.
To anyone watching, it was a captivating performance, but as her mother, I was utterly enchanted. In that moment, I could sense her comfort within our home—an atmosphere free from judgment, where she could be her authentic self. It was the kind of joy that comes from having a safe space to truly express oneself.
I couldn’t help but imagine how she might react if a stranger walked in. My heart sank at the thought; she would likely freeze, her cheeks turning beet red, her voice fading to a whisper, and her beautiful dance would come to an abrupt halt. She would essentially cease to be herself.
My daughter often struggles with shyness outside our home, still learning to navigate new faces, environments, and her own identity. It pains me to see her light dim in unfamiliar situations, and I often find myself grappling with the urge to push her out of her shell, to help her reveal the vibrant girl who dances so freely in our kitchen. I want the world to see and appreciate her as I do.
However, during that enchanting dance, I experienced a moment of clarity. I realized I cannot change who she is, and that’s exactly what I want for her. My best course of action is to simply let her be herself. And by “simply,” I mean allowing her to grow and explore without pressure.
If she needs to approach life with caution, then our home must remain a sanctuary where she can take risks. I won’t rush her to showcase the confident girl I see at home until she feels ready. My responsibility is to ensure that our home is a safe haven, the one place where she can truly be herself.
I long for the world to change; it can feel daunting and filled with negativity. I worry about what the future holds for her, and I often find myself anxious about the challenges she may face in the years to come. Yet, as I pause and reflect, I remember my primary duty is to love her unconditionally and give her the safe space she needs to navigate life.
When she walks through our door, she should find only love, comfort, and acceptance, knowing that no matter who she decides to be, she will always belong here. Mistakes will happen, and some decisions may not be wise, but she can always find her way back to us.
I never want her to feel shy or overwhelmed within these walls. I want her to sing and dance until our kitchen floor shows the marks of her joy. My hope is that she always feels brave and believed in at home, nurturing her spark until she is ready to share it with the world.
I want her to understand that no matter what happens, she will always be welcomed back to the most important place of all—home with me.
For more insights on navigating parenthood and creating safe spaces, check out this article from one of our other blogs. And if you’re interested in learning about home insemination, this resource is a great option, as well as this link, which provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In Summary
Creating a nurturing and secure environment at home is vital for children’s emotional growth. It allows them to explore their identities without fear and equips them to face the outside world with confidence.