As parents, we know how our little ones rely on us for everything, from feeding them to helping them burp. But as they grow, one of our key roles is to guide them toward independence—yikes! In a recent article, I reflected on the importance of letting go as our children mature. Often, it’s the kids who signal their readiness for the next step before we even realize it. Ultimately, it comes down to them saying or demonstrating, “Hey Mom or Dad, I’ve got this,” and our willingness to trust and release them.
Think about those moments: You might hesitate to offer your child finger foods, but when she munches on a Cheerio for the first time and gives you that sparkling glance as if to say, “I’ve got this, Mom,” it’s hard not to smile. Or when your toddler lets go of your hand, taking those wobbly first steps, looking back at you with a confident “I’ve got this, Mom,” before he tumbles down but quickly tries again.
Then there are the poignant moments at preschool. You may worry as your child releases your hand, venturing into a new classroom, but he glances back with a brave hint of “I’ve got this, Mom,” even amidst the tears you both shed. When you let go of the back of your daughter’s bike as she rides solo for the first time, her triumphant shout of “I’ve got this, Mom!” rings in your ears.
At the diving board, your child stands poised at the edge, closes his eyes, and leaps, surfacing with a triumphant, “I’ve got this, Mom!” Watching your child board the school bus for Kindergarten, he gives you a thumbs-up to reassure you, “I’ve got this, Mom.” When they join their first sports team or dance class, their excitement after practice echoes, “I totally rocked this, Mom!”
Even during tougher times, like when your child suffers a minor injury, they might reassure you with a determined, “I know, Mom. I’ve got this.” As you drop your child off for a sleepover, she hugs you goodbye, declaring, “I’ve got this, Mom!” And at ice hockey practice, when you’re not allowed in the locker room, your son confidently states, “I’ve got this, Mom.”
Every milestone is filled with these “I’ve got this, Mom” moments. Soon, we’ll face new challenges like dating, driving, and college. Kids continuously seek more freedom and responsibility, pushing us to recognize when it’s time to let out a little more slack. There will be bumps along the way—times when they’re not ready for certain responsibilities (like that phone you might need to take back).
Mistakes are part of the journey, but generally, kids seem to know when they’re ready for new challenges. Last month, I took my oldest to her high school orientation. We sat in the car, both taking a deep breath as we stared at the impressive building. I couldn’t help but notice how much she’s grown. After wishing her well, I leaned in and said with a smile, “Hey, you’ve got this.”
If you’re looking for more insights on parenting and independence, check out this other blog post for further reading. And for anyone considering home insemination, a reputable online retailer of at-home insemination kits like Cryobaby At-Home Insemination Kit can be a great resource. Also, RMANY Blog is an excellent source for pregnancy and home insemination information.
In summary, parenting is filled with moments where we must learn to trust our children as they navigate their path toward independence, reminding us that sometimes, as they say, “I’ve got this.”
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