“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal
into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our
past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
~Melody Beattie
In the name of gratitude and truthfulness I’ve decided to post a little piece of reality here once a week. Likely just a single picture. See my original post here.
For his first 2.75 years, he was mama’s boy. This week for the first time he pushed me away when he was hurt; he asked for daddy when I tried to help; he announced, “Not you! Daddy do it!” over and over. I know I didn’t do anything wrong, I know I’m not the centre of his world, I know that it’s healthy and part of growing up. I’d like to think I am a bigger person knowing what I do. I’m not. It stings. I feel a little shattered.
But I’m getting over it because that’s growing up. And we’re all doing it (even me).
(Really, I am fine. He let me read his story AND tuck him into bed tonight. I am grateful.)
::
If you’d like to join in with a reality check of your own, please add a link or note in the comments!
Although I have no kids, I completely understand you. Sometimes we offend each other without realizing it.
And I’m very glad to hear you are feeling better.
Rachel, there are so many wonderful joys to being a Momma and then there are those that just sting and rip the heart a little. Please know that it really is a phase that boy’s go through and while it’s so very hard, it really is a growing phase [and one I think that really stinks ].
Oh, hugs & kisses to you! J has always been a Papa’s girl so I am used to that with her, but I think the first time Asher ever wants Papa rather than me I will probably want to crawl under the covers for a while. I’m glad he let you read his story & tuck him in. They always do need us, even when they don’t want to need us, don’t they? xo
My son always favored my husband until he was 14 yo! Then he would come and talk to me about school and friends đŸ™‚ (I was thrilled!!) Now he is 18 yo and has a great relationship with both of us.
Rachel, its pains like this that verify that you are fulfilling your role as mother, helping these little people to mature and face the changes that lie ahead. Love & blessings from one who has been there and felt that pain!!
Let’s note the age here, too…..2-3 are those “independent” years where they say no or do the opposite of what they really want just to see if they can. They don’t call them the terrible 2s for nothing! sorry he hurt your feelings (sadly, it won’t be the last time) but there will always be something extra special between a boy and his mama (I know–mine turns 39 tomorrow–best Valentine gift I ever received).
awwwww…sweet boy. I’m sure daddy was thrilled to be the hero? I also have no doubt that this boy loves his mama like no other! I only have 2, but I know when the new baby came it was the first time Miss Molly really started seeing the bonus of having daddy around.
It is odd how those preferences change and can affect us so. I hope your husband enjoyed his moments with your son.
Even though you know they still love you, it still hurts. Finn just got over a really long period of being a “daddy’s boy” and it made me a bit sad… especially since I am the one who mostly takes care of him. But, phases pass and now he “needs” me again too!
Oh I know the feeling. What a cutie and of course he loves you. It’s hard to reckon with these healthy, temporary, growing-up changes but I am sure we can all do it.
xo,
Ang
gah. it’s so hard when they start “growing up” … it makes me sad too… but you know he’ll want you again. xo he’s so cute.
Nice that he’s sharing and growing but it still hurts. Not that this is a permanent situation but you’ve still got Mira to hug and hold in the meantime!
I remember these little moments of panic with my boys-little signs that they were getting more independent and needing me a little less when it came to the simpler woes.
I decided (or fate decided, should I say…) that I should join you this week with a reality check of my own. I wish I could say it was more sentimental and less disgusting than it actually was. *shudder*
http://themayberryhomejournal.blogspot.com/2012/02/reality-check.html