It happened in an instant.
The initial weeks following my child’s birth felt like an eternity. Each moment was filled with a whirlwind of effort, emotions, and the deep exhaustion that accompanies sleepless nights. By the time I leaned over my child at their first birthday celebration, candles flickering atop a vibrant Elmo-themed cake, I was transformed. My little one had blossomed into a vibrant toddler, captivated by balls, tunnels, and swings.
From that point on, some years seemed to stretch on while others sped by. My child’s legs grew longer, their round baby cheeks transitioned to defined cheekbones, and their hair became thicker. Baby teeth fell out, replaced by big, straight adult teeth. They were becoming a real person.
However, amidst the chaos of laundry, sports schedules, and homework, I realized that I had lost sight of something important. While I understood that childhood would pass quickly, I momentarily overlooked the bittersweet truth that each passing year brings a sense of loss. Parents experience a unique grief, simultaneously grateful for their child’s growth and keenly aware of what is left behind.
Honestly, it felt like it all happened overnight. Although my eldest had entered their tween years a while back, it was only recently that I noticed a significant change. They began staying up later, seemingly restless, and sleeping in longer, appearing more tired. With a desire for independence, they started spending more time alone in their room, engrossed in video games and reading. While they still come to me for morning and evening greetings, they have truly ventured into a new stage of life.
It really did happen so suddenly: as if years of memories had been fast-forwarded. Now, they tower over me, harboring their own dreams and fears that I can only speculate about. Our hugs have transitioned into long, somewhat awkward embraces, grappling with the changes in their growing body.
From the moment you embrace motherhood, you know that one day you must let go of your child. They are not yours to keep indefinitely. If you fulfill your role well, you become obsolete—this is the ultimate goal of parenting. Yet, what many don’t realize is that the process of letting go begins much earlier than anticipated. I thought I had time to savor each phase, believing there would be enough moments to reflect on and feel a sense of completion. Instead, I find myself feeling a bit frantic, as my child seems to slip away like sand through my fingers. I keep hoping to pull them back but recognize their natural urge to forge ahead.
Thirteen years old, please be gentle with me. I strive to be a supportive mother, to refrain from hovering, and to allow them the freedom to grow. I close my eyes, turn my head, and hope for a soft landing when they stumble, knowing I cannot shield them from all hardships. This is the most challenging aspect of motherhood: accepting that I must release them into the world, aware that I cannot prevent them from facing heartache or failure.
Currently, I feel as though I’m on the steepest descent of a roller coaster, where the rush of air knocks the breath from my lungs. My instinct is to cling tightly, yet I aspire to be brave enough to throw my arms up in exhilaration and embrace whatever lies ahead. I hope they can do the same.
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Summary
The journey of parenting is a bittersweet blend of joy and loss as children grow rapidly. Moments once cherished slip away, and the process of letting go begins sooner than expected. Parents must navigate the complexities of allowing their children independence while grappling with their own emotions. As children transition into new phases, acceptance and courage become essential in embracing the future.
Keyphrase: parenting journey of growth
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