Watching Jackson lately is like watching a caterpillar hatch from a chrysalis. It is complete torture not to reach in and help. That moment when he is just about all the way over but his little arm is still stuck underneath? That is the moment when I can barely stop myself from reaching in. The only thing that keeps me from intervening is that look of pride mixed with surprise when he does it all alone.
I think the times I spend watching my kids do difficult things alone are my hardest mothering moments. I am one of those moms who goes through the whole house covering everyone up because I woke up cold. I always will. And I will probably always be proof reading papers at 10 pm and combing knots out of Barbie’s hair…
I have seen the growth and compassion that comes from struggle—learning to read, ride a bike, tie shoes, talk to a new friend—my kids have been through all kinds of painful experiences that have helped them grow and I wouldn't change it. I love watching them grow in every way but I wouldn't mind if they would slow down a little.
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