As infants, our little ones rely on us for absolutely everything—even when it comes to burping, which they apparently can’t manage on their own! One of our main goals as parents is to guide our children towards independence, and, gulp, eventually help them learn not to lean on us so heavily. I recently penned a piece on the importance of letting go as children grow, and I realized it often comes down to the child saying, or showing, “Hey Mom or Dad, I’ve got this,” while we, the parents, must be ready to trust them and take a step back.
Moments of Independence
Take, for example, the moment you hesitate to let your baby try finger foods, but then she successfully grabs a Cheerio and looks up at you with a spark in her eye, as if to say, “No worries, I’ve got this, Mom.”
Your toddler might let go of your hand and take those first wobbly steps, glancing back at you with a confident grin, “I’ve got this, Mom,” even if he tumbles right after.
When it comes time for preschool, you might be unsure about how your little one will separate from you, but he bravely takes his first steps into that unfamiliar classroom, casting a glance back that says, “I’ve got this, Mom,” despite the tears brimming in both of your eyes.
There’s the thrill of letting go of the back of your child’s bike as she rides without training wheels for the first time, her joyous shout echoing, “I’ve got this, Mom!”
Picture your child standing at the edge of the diving board, toes gripping the edge. With a deep breath, he jumps, reemerging with a triumphant splash, “I’ve got this, Mom!”
On the first day of Kindergarten, as your child boards the school bus, he looks back at you, giving a thumbs-up that screams, “I’ve got this, Mom.”
Whether it’s joining a new sports team or tackling a sleepover, these little moments of independence keep cropping up. Even if your child faces a mishap, such as a broken bone, they might grit their teeth through tears and say, “I know, Mom. I’ve got this.”
As you navigate these milestones—like sending your child off to the mall for the first time without you—you’ll hear her roll her eyes and confidently declare, “I’ll be fine, Mom. I’ve got this.”
Looking Ahead
We’ve all witnessed these “I’ve got this, Mom” moments. The big ones are on the horizon: dating, driving, college…oh boy! Kids are naturally inclined to seek more freedom and responsibility, and as they do, it becomes clear that it’s time to give them a little more slack.
Last month, I took my eldest, Emma, to her high school orientation. We sat in the car, both taking a deep breath as we stared at the towering high school building. I looked at Emma, who has sprouted up to nearly my height, and I felt a mix of pride and nostalgia. I leaned over, gave her a kiss on the cheek, and said, “Hey, you’ve got this.”
Resources for Parents
For more insights on parenting and self-insemination, check out this article from Intracervical Insemination. And if you’re curious about home insemination options, Make a Mom is a great resource. Additionally, for pregnancy tips, IVF Babble offers fantastic information.
Conclusion
In summary, as our children grow, we witness countless moments where they assert their independence, reminding us that they are ready to handle the next stage of life. Embracing these moments can be bittersweet, but it’s essential to trust their instincts and let them know that they can take the leap.