By: Emily Hart
My partner asked me repeatedly if I wanted to join him and our 8-year-old son for the latest Star Wars movie. They had already experienced it on opening night, and he was eager for the whole family to attend this time. While I was definitely interested in seeing the film, he also mentioned bringing our 3-year-old along.
While our toddler has matured since his chaotic twos, I knew this would be his first cinematic experience, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that he wouldn’t last through the entire movie. I just couldn’t imagine being able to relax with him around. Sure, he might enjoy certain scenes, but I had zero desire to chase him around or keep him entertained. Honestly, I’d rather not spend $20 just to miss the movie entirely, if you catch my drift.
So, I hesitated. I told my partner he’d be responsible for wrangling the little one if we went, but ultimately decided that hiring a babysitter would be the best solution for our family. It turned out to be a fantastic choice. Our toddler had a blast playing with toys, and my partner, our older son, and I got to enjoy a stress-free evening.
It felt almost surreal. We stopped by a nearby Chik-fil-A for a quick bite before the movie. I’m typically used to accommodating everyone’s needs, worrying about spilled drinks and half-eaten meals. But this time? It wasn’t me.
Nearby, two young girls with matching hair bows were bickering over who got to sit next to their dad. I recognized the weariness etched on the parents’ faces. A mom struggled to navigate a wheeled infant chair while balancing a tray of food with her other arm. I smiled at her, recalling how I had done the same with my kids. But once again, this time it wasn’t me.
I glanced over to see my 8-year-old calmly eating his meal without pretending the table was a spaceship or attempting to stand on his chair. There were no arguments or reminders to sit down and enjoy his food. I remembered the days I had to carry my son, then a fussy toddler, out of this very restaurant. But tonight? No carrying, no screaming. This time it wasn’t me.
Sitting at the table, I relished my elaborate salad without interruptions or ketchup stains on my clothes. Each bite was a delight, and I could take my time to savor my meal. The atmosphere was tranquil. I watched a young boy dash around the dining area, and his beleaguered mom repeatedly asking if he was finished eating. Once more, this time it wasn’t me.
For the first time in ages, I escaped the “mom tunnel vision.” I could look around and absorb my surroundings. I heard the joyful sounds of children playing in the play area, their laughter filling the air. As I glanced at my oldest son across the table, a pang of sadness hit me. He was so composed that I feared he might soon outgrow the play area, deeming it too childish or beneath him.
And suddenly, I missed my toddler.
My partner wrapped his arm around me and humorously remarked about how to fill the extra time we found ourselves with. I chuckled and agreed; it was a new kind of quiet we were experiencing.
After what felt like a delightfully long meal, my son suddenly asked, “Can I go to the play area?”
Oh, thank goodness.
“Yes, but we only have about 10 minutes before we need to leave,” I replied, and he took off with excitement.
As we strolled through the parking lot toward the theater, I held his hand just a bit longer than usual, and he didn’t pull away. He eagerly requested cotton candy at the concession stand. I treasured the moment, grateful that he still enjoyed play areas, held my hand, and desired cotton candy. I counted my blessings. This time it wasn’t me.
Maybe that “mom tunnel vision” isn’t entirely a bad thing. When we sense our little ones are on the cusp of growing up, all those toddler moments become incredibly precious.
I was grateful for that evening apart from our toddler and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I looked forward to picking him up afterward, knowing that one day, he would be all grown up, and it would be me again.
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Summary:
In a humorous reflection on parenting, the author recounts a rare, peaceful evening out with her older son while their toddler enjoyed playtime with a babysitter. The experience highlights the bittersweet nature of watching children grow up while cherishing the present moments.
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