When my son turned four I decided to write him a letter. As I wrote it I realized so many of the hard moments I struggle with have made me stronger. The whole essay is published on Kindred Mom.
I love you.
Even when you test boundaries. Even when you tell me no or refuse to do what I ask. Even when I’ve asked you for twenty minutes to put your shoes on and you’re still playing with your cars. Even when you wake up the baby after I just spent an hour trying to get him to sleep, or insist on pouring your milk and spill it all over the floor. Even when we are running late and you scream and flail while trying to buckle yourself into your car seat and refuse my help, I still love you.
Your independence amazes me. Whether you are getting dressed, or trying to cut an apple, you have to do everything on your own. Sometimes I want to do things for you because I am tired or running late. My patience is gone and I’m frustrated because this is the tenth time you’ve insisted on doing something yourself, but you are determined, and that drive you have will move mountains.
I love your sense of curiosity. You like to figure out how things work. “Mommy, what does this button do?”, or “why do the clouds move,” or “how is snow made?” I don’t always have the answers or the patience, but because of you, I’ve found joy in the little things.
Please go read more on Kindred Mom.