Recently, a casual acquaintance took it upon themselves to critique me for making my 2-year-old the “heart of my world.” It wasn’t someone who knows me or my family well, and I’m sure their comment wasn’t meant to be hurtful. But honestly, I can’t stand when people say things like that.
Listen up: Parents of young children are juggling a million responsibilities, and the last thing they need is more guilt or judgment.
Let’s be real—my little guy is only two years old, which is basically still a baby in my book. So, yes, my toddler takes center stage in my life right now.
I completely understand this phase won’t last forever. I’ve been through the early years before with my older daughter, and she’s now eight. She’s weaned, potty trained, and can roll her eyes dramatically at me. It’s incredible how fast they grow!
But the little one who still runs to me first thing in the morning and seeks comfort in my lap when he’s upset? You bet he’s my everything at this moment. And that’s perfectly okay.
I value myself beyond motherhood, and I certainly encourage my kids to be independent and explore their own paths. I’m also not neglecting my friends, family, or the larger issues of the world. But while my son is still in diapers and needs a grown-up close by, I’m going to shift my focus a bit more on him.
Of course, I’m not glued to his side every second of the day. Even when he’s in someone else’s care, my thoughts are with him. I find myself hoping that whoever is looking after him keeps him safe and understands his toddler language enough to soothe him when he’s upset.
My time apart from him feels different than it does with my older daughter. He still relies on me in a more instinctual way. There’s an invisible thread connecting us—stronger than ever.
For now, my decisions are made with his needs in mind, just like all parents of little ones do in their unique ways. For me, this means choosing work that allows me to spend time with him, even if it means less money to play with. It means opting for a simpler life, saying no to extravagant vacations, and yes to thriftiness. It’s about surviving on broken sleep and early mornings. I’ve had to cut back on date nights and keep “Moms’ Night Out” to a manageable hour (because let’s face it, 9 p.m. is my new midnight!).
This intense phase of having young children is just a season—a brief moment in time dedicated to giving, sometimes to the point of exhaustion. It’s a learning curve in balancing self-care while not trying to please everyone. It’s about tuning out the critics, accepting help, and appreciating every blessing—even while wishing for a little less chaos in my day.
In just two months, my little guy will be three. I can already feel myself shifting from a mom of toddlers to a mom of kids. The upcoming season will bring freedom but will also break my heart a little.
I’ll miss the way his tiny hands fit in mine, the belief that my kisses can cure all ouchies, and those cozy mornings when he wants to snuggle just a little longer.
A mother never truly breaks free from her children, but as they grow, those ties loosen. Priorities change, and the universe expands. I can already sense my son starting to drift away, but I hope I’m instilling the confidence and strength he needs to soar on his own someday. And as he takes flight, I hope he keeps a piece of my heart with him.
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Summary:
The article discusses the author’s perspective on parenting a young child and the balance between being a devoted mother and maintaining personal identity. It explores the temporary nature of this phase of life, the emotional connections between mother and child, and the sacrifices parents make to prioritize their little ones. As children grow, the relationship shifts, leading to mixed feelings of freedom and longing.