By: Sarah Mitchell
Published: October 19, 2017
During a recent birthday celebration for a friend’s daughter, I found myself in a familiar scenario. My infant son was nestled comfortably on my right hip, his preferred spot, when my energetic toddler, Max, approached and clung to my leg, his voice a sweet plea, “Mommy, I need you to hold me!” Without hesitation, I lifted him onto my other hip.
As time passed, exhaustion hit, prompting me to attempt to set my baby down. Unbeknownst to me, this would lead to an impressive display of his discontent, akin to a theatrical performance of “Whine Like a Banshee.” Realizing my mistake, I shifted my focus and placed my toddler on the ground instead. “Mommy, I need you,” he whined with an intensity that was hard to resist.
In need of a solution, I found a spacious armchair that could accommodate the three of us, wrapping my arms around them both until their needs were met. Max was the first to escape my embrace, drawn away by a colorful Lego creation, while my baby remained content until he spotted the snack table.
With a determined finger pointing toward the goodies, he insisted I follow him to the snacks. I scooped him up once more, settled him on my hip, and prepared a small bowl of cheese for him. As he munched happily, an unfamiliar woman, likely a relative of my friend, leaned in with unsolicited advice. “You should really put that baby down,” she asserted. “He’ll never walk if you keep carrying him all the time. You’re going to spoil him.”
I chuckled awkwardly, a reflex to relieve my embarrassment. “No thanks,” I managed to reply, struggling to find the right words. She persisted, “You’re going to spoil both of them,” gesturing dismissively toward Max.
Despite her remarks, I continued to hold my baby throughout the party, while internally wrestling with frustration. Why didn’t I defend my parenting choices? Why allow her unsolicited critique to affect me? Now, in the comfort of my home, I feel emboldened to respond.
To that woman, let me clarify: If loving and holding my children translates to spoiling them, then I embrace that title wholeheartedly. I would gladly raise the most “spoiled” children on the block. I refuse to deny them the love, warmth, and security of my embrace. It’s rather ironic; some adults even pay for hugs due to a lack of physical connection. Perhaps you should consider joining one of those groups to reconnect with your humanity.
I’ve always understood “spoiling” to mean fulfilling every material desire, rather than nurturing emotional needs. Yes, my children have their fair share of toys, yet they crave and require my physical presence. As their mother, it is my duty and privilege to hold them close.
Allow me to share some of my multitasking feats while holding my baby: I can apply face cream, brush my teeth, and even get through a bathroom break without putting him down. I can also prepare meals and tidy up, all while my toddler returns for hugs and chat.
I plan to continue carrying my children, utilizing every baby carrier I can find. Whether it’s the Moby wrap, Bjorn, or strapping them on my back, I will always respond to their requests for closeness until they no longer ask. When that day comes, I’ll know I’ve fulfilled my role as a mother. I hope their future children will demand the same affection, allowing my boys to understand the importance of nurturing their own little ones.
Oh, wait a moment! I feel little fingers tugging at my leg. Someone is ready for a snuggle, while the other wants to be held—just because.
So, if you’ll excuse me, I have some spoiling to do with my kids.
For additional insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this resource. Furthermore, if you are interested in effective home insemination methods, take a look at this guide. For comprehensive information on pregnancy, visit this site.
Summary
This article reflects the author’s perspective on parenting, emphasizing the importance of physical affection and closeness with children. It challenges the notion that holding children too often leads to spoiling them, instead highlighting the emotional needs that come with parenting. The author advocates for embracing the role of a nurturing parent, reinforcing the belief that love and comfort are essential to healthy child development.
Keyphrase
nurturing parenting
Tags
home insemination kit, home insemination syringe, self insemination