Kid Scoop
Reflections on Letting Go
It was just a short time ago that I came to this very same park. I always dreaded getting to the section where the swings were because when we got there, it was chaotic for me.
All three kids needed to be pushed on the swings. My youngest was in the baby swing and the two older kids were about 20 feet away in the big kid swings.
What happened during swinging time is that mom got an intense cardio workout. I ran from swing to swing pushing each kid to get them higher and higher. Then I ran off to the other swings to do the same for the other kids.
They squealed with delight and they begged, “Push me again, Mommy” or “Push me higher, Mommy” or “My turn. My turn, Mommy”
I was hot, sweaty mess by the end of swinging so this was usually the end of the park trip for us. I always saved the swings for last.
I so desperately wanted them to be able to do the swings themselves so I could get a little break at the park. I wanted to sit on the bench with all of the other relaxed looking parents and read or just hang out while keeping one eye on the kids.
I wished for that.
Today was a beautiful day here in Atlanta. It was 63 degrees when I left the house. I instantly decided that after I picked the kids up in carpool we were going to head to the park.
The park was packed and we did the usual… landing at the swings last.
I went to push the kids and all three said, “Were good. We know how to swing ourselves.” WHAT??? I thought to myself. How could they not need me? How was this possible?
I sat on the bench pouting for a few minutes. When did my kids grow up? How did they get so self sufficient? Well self sufficient at the park anyway.
My sulking didn’t last long because over all of the other children playing at the park, I could hear my daughter yelling, “Look at me. Look at me. I am swinging towards the sky. I am flying. Look how high I can go.”
Her enthusiasm and laughter was contagious. People stopped to look at her. They always do. This child is just so full of life.
Thankfully the free time allowed me to take some great pictures of them like the one above.
Funny how this parenting this is, isn’t it?
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4 Comments
Tara @ Feels Like Home commented on Feb 04 12 at 11:04 amI understand, Stacie. I feel exactly the same way about so many things. I wanted my older daughter to be able to write her name, and then she did it and I was a little sad. I wanted her to be able to dress herself, and then she did it and I was a little sad. I think it’s natural to want them to do the next big then, but it’s also natural to grieve that our babies are growing up so fast.
It doesn’t help much, but I keep reminding myself that she’ll always need her Momma around. :)
Niri commented on Feb 05 12 at 3:22 pmOk, now can your kids come on over and teach mine? I LOVE that pic of your little one. My 4 year old found if she lays on her tummy and kicked herself up she could swing herself so thankfully this mama gets some respite. The monkey bars, unfortunately, are another matter.
Felicia commented on Feb 06 12 at 6:03 pmOh my goodness! I know exactly what you mean. You wish so long for something for so long (like walking) and when they finally master it you think… where’s my baby?!
Caryn B commented on Feb 09 12 at 9:51 amI honestly look at my 4 year old and think how in the world did he get so big…so smart….so funny….so inquisitive and curious? The time flies and stands still all at once….I need to take my own advice and enjoy each fleeting moment : )
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