I see you momma. You’re the one who is hovering over her kid at the park like a helicopter. You’re afraid that if you blink or turn away for one second that something could happen or they could get hurt. I know this all too well because not that long ago, I was you. I didn’t think I would be able to let go when the time came and, to be honest, I was afraid to.
After all, I am their momma. I bathe, feed, nurse boo boo’s and taxi them around town. I should take care of everything, right? Could I let go when they needed me to? You bet, I had to.
I’m now the mom at the park with her nose in a book or lost in a podcast. It took me forever to get here, but I’m here, and I’m embracing having kids who can take care of themselves.
My kids are at an age where they can do a lot on their own, and I like it! I don’t have the time or energy to micromanage them. They need to learn how to take care of themselves.
If you would have told me 11 years ago that the day my kid could make his own breakfast and feed himself would be one of the happiest days of my life, I would have laughed! But it really was. My oldest is at an age where he can pour a bowl of cereal for himself and his brother in the morning. They can both pack their own lunches for school. I feel like I have won the lottery!
Gone are the days of bathing a ninja. My boys could never keep the water in the actual tub. Bath time is less stressful because they can bathe themselves, brush their own teeth, and comb their own hair (hello, mohawk). Plus, I’m no longer dressing a squirmy child. It felt like an Olympic event getting both boys dressed.
My oldest is entering middle school and with that comes learning time management and how to take control of his schedule. During the school year, we make sure he knows that he is responsible for his homework, projects, and studying. He has to learn how to balance school with sports and clubs. This is preparation for the real world.
I even have newfound “me time.” My oldest is able to stay home alone with his brother so I’m able to get back to my early morning workouts. I can even run a quick errand and not worry about leaving the kids home alone.
These are important milestones in my kids’ lives. I have to trust their ability to take care of themselves. I’m giving them the tools they need to survive when they leave my house. One day, they will thank me for not taking care of everything.
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