I spent my third and final year of grad school pregnant with my first child. When I graduated with my two-week-old baby in the audience, I was able to continue my career growth as I brought her to my new job. Soon she went to a wonderful daycare, which was a great experience for our family. The path was similar when my son was born.
While I wouldn’t have traded those early days and their highs and lows for all of us, I did on occasion wonder if I missed the opportunity to be there. I sometimes worried that my “big kids” were practically grown and didn’t need their mama anymore.
Then my daughter turned 12. I realized that her world was changing in ways I needed to stay in close touch with. Not unlike the early years, all of life’s experiences are new to her. I found out that first steps, skinned knees, and loose teeth only get replaced by lunchtime seating drama, changing for gym class, and the idea that someday your friends may go to a different high school. All are new, scary, or intimidating.
Not to worry baby, mom is here. Maybe “here” looks different, as it means saying yes to meeting friends at the mall—without me. Maybe “here” means texting her goodnight once in awhile instead of tucking her in, as I prefer. Maybe “here” means helping her learn to put a little bit of makeup on, just like I helped her put on mittens and tie her shoes. She still needs me, even on the days she says otherwise.
So don’t worry, moms of littles. Watch them grow from the kitchen table, the playground, or the board room. They will still need you. They always will. My own mom could likely testify to that 😉
