“Today, all my friends are having a huge playdate with their Nerf guns!” my son exclaimed the other day, brimming with excitement. My heart sank, anticipating the disappointment of not being included. “Are you feeling left out because you weren’t invited?” I asked gently.
“Nah, I’m fine,” he replied, then proceeded to share all the fun activities they had planned. In that moment, I believed him—he was genuinely thrilled for his friends, displaying no hint of jealousy or sadness. For the umpteenth time in his young life, I found myself wondering, where did you come from?
Nurturing a child with a timeless spirit is both a humbling and enriching experience. I recall a moment from when he was just two years old, during lunch. I was grappling with my own sadness, attempting to mask it behind a smile. He kept gazing at me, and finally, he reached up with his tiny hand to touch my cheek. The depth of understanding in his eyes took my breath away; it was as if he was seeing straight into my soul, despite being just a toddler.
He possesses an incredible sense of calm. Just this morning, I watched him skip joyfully down the driveway to catch the bus, following a chaotic last-minute search for homework and snow boots. Amidst my frenzied attempts to gather everything, he remained unfazed, skipping along with a smile. “Why is he always so cheerful?” I asked my husband, my hair a frazzled mess from the morning rush. “He’s just a happy kid,” my husband replied, and it’s true.
His patience with his little sister often astounds me, as he translates her toddler babble effortlessly. When she scrapes her knee, she seeks comfort in him rather than me. He gathers her in his arms, soothing her with gentle pats on the head, then together they dive back into their adventure of defeating imaginary foes. Just yesterday, he told her, “I had so much fun being wizards with you today. You’re really fun to be around.” My heart melts—because of him, she’ll enter the world expecting kindness and respect from those she meets.
But the emotions in our home can be overwhelming. He’s still processing conversations we had about animal shelters years ago. While he can be a handful at times—lost in his own world, occasionally acting like a mini dictator to his siblings, and perpetually unable to find his belongings—he also has a remarkable capacity to connect. He looks into my eyes when we talk, prompting me to reflect on life’s deeper questions. He is my calm during chaotic moments, humming softly as he learns new skills.
Yet, I can’t help but worry about the implications of his old soul. I fear for the times his heart might break, as he loves deeply and wholeheartedly. I’m concerned that our fast-paced modern world may dull his unique spirit, so I encourage him to step away from screens and immerse himself in nature. I worry that his heightened sensitivity will make the world feel heavy at times. And, I often question my own abilities as a parent—wondering if my soul is as wise as his.
When he was three, he once told me that before he was born, he searched tirelessly for a mom with just the right voice. When he found me, he felt complete. I share that sentiment, my dear child.
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In summary, raising a child with an old soul is a journey filled with profound moments, challenges, and endless love. Their unique perspective enriches our lives and reminds us of the beauty in our connections.