By: Mia Thompson
Updated: June 5, 2023
Originally Published: June 5, 2023
Yesterday, something alarming happened.
Let me start by saying that I’m currently finding it tough to navigate the summer break. It’s a mix of joy and chaos, and honestly, can something be both delightful and overwhelming at the same time? That’s parenthood in a nutshell, isn’t it?
Transitioning from having my three kids in school for several hours a day—where I could also get some work done—to having them home full-time has been quite the challenge. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, summer can be absolutely unrelenting.
This year, though, there’s a glimmer of hope since my kids are getting older and more self-sufficient. Little Lily will be turning 3 next week, and I finally feel like we’re climbing out of the rough patch of parenthood.
Just yesterday afternoon, we returned from the park, and the boys dashed out of the van the moment we parked. They heard some kids next door having fun and asked if they could join. I said yes and took Lily inside. She was covered in dirt and peanut butter, so I stripped her down to her diaper.
I dashed to the bathroom with her toddling close behind, always my little companion. Right then, my phone rang—it was my sister. She wasn’t feeling well, and I strained to catch every word she was saying. In the midst of our conversation, Lily suddenly became very loud. As her cries crescendoed, my stress began to rise.
I hurried to my bedroom and closed the door, hoping for a moment of peace. When I finally emerged, the house was eerily quiet. A wave of panic washed over me, and I felt my heart drop.
The back door was wide open.
“Lily!” I shouted as I rushed outside. She was gone. Or hiding. Or lost.
Just then, I heard a neighbor calling out to me from across the street. “I just saw a little girl go through the fences in the backyard! She went that way!”
I was barefoot, but it didn’t matter. I sprinted after her, my heart racing and my breath quickening. That’s what sheer panic feels like.
I found Lily just one street over, clad only in her diaper and clutching a toy pet carrier. The look on her face when she saw my panic is something I will never forget.
“Never again,” I told her firmly.
“Not with my dog?” she replied, confused.
“Never, ever. Please, don’t leave this house without an adult,” I said, wiping away my tears.
I share this story to illustrate how quickly kids can wander off. I’ve often wondered where the parents were in similar situations. That parent was me. I was right there, and yet it still happened.
I consider myself a great mom. I’m attentive, I care deeply, and I’m far from negligent. But kids can be quick and quiet when they want to be. Today, I’m holding my children a little closer, thankful for their safety, and aware that not every mom has the same luck.
For more insights on parenting and family dynamics, check out this post from our other blog. If you’re interested in the journey of becoming a parent, Make a Mom is an authority on related topics. Additionally, the CDC offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
Adjusting to summer break can be a challenge for parents, especially with young children. A recent experience highlighted how quickly toddlers can wander off, even when parents are vigilant. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping a close eye on little ones, as they can be fast and unpredictable.