He started crying. In our home, raised voices are rare, which made me feel like the worst mom. Once I managed to calm him down and we were both settled, I attempted to explain, “I just want to keep you safe, sweetheart.” He sniffled and resumed eating his waffle.
I know deep down that I can’t prevent my son from experiencing all of life’s little mishaps—not by a long shot. Sure, I can shield him from some accidents or misfortunes if only he would… listen to me. But therein lies the challenge. Kids don’t always listen. Not now, nor in their teenage years. Bumps happen. Noses get scraped, hearts break, and fingers get pinched. So how can I guide him to make wise decisions when it truly matters? How can I ensure he holds my hand while navigating the cement stairs or refrains from speeding on icy roads the day after he gets his driver’s license?
As I helped him put on his coat for preschool, I said, “Keep your fingers back, sweetie,” while zipping it up. He didn’t heed my warning, and in an unfortunate twist of fate, I caught one of his fingers in the zipper. Cue more tears and a wave of maternal guilt. I kissed his cheek, wiped his tears, and comforted his fingertip.
“We’re having a tough morning, Mommy,” he remarked, perched on my lap.
“It’s okay—it’s just a little scratch,” I reassured him, genuinely hoping for a future filled with only minor scrapes.
There’s a poignant quote from Elizabeth Stone about parenthood: “To have children is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” It’s that and so much more. It’s like your heart is out there, navigating a busy street in a game of Frogger, and you’re left with only your voice and the example you set. “Please listen to me,” you plead, knowing full well that sometimes, they won’t.
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In summary, as parents, we must come to terms with the reality that we can’t shield our children from every little scrape or life lesson. Our role is to guide them, to teach them to make smart choices, and to comfort them when things don’t go as planned.
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