One hour ago I learnt a really huge lesson from my daughter. I learnt how to be a better parent.This is our story.
Miss E (6years) needed to bring a handkerchief to school for a prop for a dance they were doing. She was so excited because she had a special one her Grandma had given her for Christmas last year.
Two days ago Miss E mentioned that she realised that someone might take her handkerchief accidently or it might get lost. I said “Don’t worry, I’ll give you some fabric instead.”
Last night I put her to bed then went to find a piece of fabric. Chore complete, problem solved – tick!
Thirty minutes later Miss E came out of bed to find me. She was crying. She told me that she couldn’t sleep because she was worried about the handkerchief. Normally I would have said “don’t worry, it’s fine, go to sleep,” but I didn’t. I felt she needed more from me. I showed her the piece of fabric in her bag and on the way back to bed I explained we would go into class together to swap the handkerchief. She seemed happier. I tucked Miss E into bed then said, “hand me your worry.” Miss E placed her hand on my forehead and we kissed each other goodnight. I left.
This morning Miss E woke happily, we got ready for the day, then walked to school as normal.
THIS IS WHEN THE MAGIC HAPPENED…. Miss E stopped then said,
“Mummy, when you took away my worry, you took away ‘the think’ too.”
“The think?”
“Well, I stopped worrying but sometimes I still think about it. Last night you took the worry and the think. I fell asleep after that.”
This-just-blew-me-away. What I thought was a tiny little thing, really made a huge impact on both of us. This is what I learnt…
- Worry and/or over-thinking impacts sleep no matter what age you are.
- A worry may be insignificant to you but it can be a mountain to someone else, especially kids.
- Words don’t fix things, actions do. Always follow though.
- Don’t underestimate kids. They are smarter, wiser and more emotionally grounded than we give them credit for.
Parenting is a journey and today reminded me that Miss E and I are in this together.
OMG this is so beautiful. I am going to remember this. Thank you for sharing, it brought me to tears.
Thank you Julie for taking the time to read this. I’m over the moon.
You seem like an incredible human being and mom! May you, your family and work continue to see blessing and success !
Thank you Rachel for your kind words. Janelle xx