In the early hours of the day, I make it a priority to brush my teeth as soon as I wake up. Standing at the sink, I scrub away while simultaneously dancing—a necessity driven by my urgent need to use the restroom. But the unpleasant taste in my mouth must be addressed first; bad breath is truly a dreadful experience. Yet, when my toddler exhales his distinctly unpleasant morning breath directly into my face, I find it completely acceptable. Why? Because he is my child, and I cherish that closeness, wishing it could last indefinitely. Within the comforting confines of our home, my kids are allowed to get away with behaviors that would be deemed unacceptable elsewhere. Here are some notable examples:
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My children can sneeze on me from mere inches away. Not the composed, polite sneezes of adults, but rather the messy, exuberant sneezes of young children. My toddler follows each sneeze with an enthusiastic “achoo,” whether it’s his own or someone else’s. The baby often grins afterward, as if he’s just achieved something monumental. So, let those sneezes fly—I was due for a face rinse anyway!
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My toddler has the liberty to bop me on the head. With an adorable “bonk” following the act, he often pats his own head. No matter how I feel about this sudden impact, I can’t help but laugh and join in with “bonk.”
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The baby is free to drool on me at will. He can produce astonishingly long strings of drool on my knee, arm, or even my face, regardless of how freshly dressed I am. His infectious smile makes it all worth it—after all, it’ll dry!
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The toddler has a knack for placing various items on my head, insisting they are “hats.” His proud declarations, paired with a radiant smile, compel me to allow this playful behavior to continue. Stuffed animals, toys, and even Christmas ornaments become “hats” under his supervision.
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The baby can chew on nearly any object that isn’t a safety hazard. While it would be peculiar for me to gnaw on a remote control, my baby does it without question. In fact, I’ll even remove the batteries to facilitate his exploration.
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The toddler can engage me in pretend phone conversations, repeating the same short exchange indefinitely. “Hello? Hi! How are you? Bye!” I find joy in these moments, eagerly awaiting his next “call.”
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Both children are allowed to make spontaneous loud noises. Even in the middle of a quiet TV session, if an exciting moment inspires them to squeal, I simply smile and let them express their delight. Kids will be kids!
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The baby can endlessly repeat a non-word without causing annoyance. “Ba-ba-ba-ba” becomes a delightful echo as we engage in this playful back-and-forth for what feels like an hour.
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The toddler can gaze into the toilet and exclaim “Wow.” While I’ve grown accustomed to the ins and outs of toilets, his newfound fascination is a refreshing perspective that reminds me to appreciate the little things.
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Both kids can luxuriate in the bathtub for what seems like ages. While I juggle my own shower time, bath time for them is pure joy, filled with bubbles and toys, and the attention of a parent to ensure safety.
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The toddler is free to tackle me unexpectedly. He often charges at me from behind, expecting me to catch him and flip him forward—an activity I indulge in repeatedly, knowing that one day he’ll be too big for this.
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My children can invade my personal space without hesitation. The concept of personal boundaries doesn’t exist in their minds, and I welcome their closeness. The day they stop seeking my proximity will be the day I start to miss it.
The allowances my kids enjoy are ever-evolving, just as the privileges I have as their mother. I’ll always embrace them in public, hold their hands, and caution them as they navigate the world. No matter how many birthdays they celebrate, they will forever be my little ones. As Dave Grohl reminds us, “Breathe out, so I can breathe you in,” even when that breath carries the aroma of whole milk and snacks. Stay close, dear child.
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Summary
This article discusses the amusing and heartwarming liberties children take in a parent’s presence, illustrating how such behaviors foster a deep connection. As parents, we find joy in these moments, embracing the unique allowances our kids enjoy while simultaneously reflecting on our own parental privileges.