When did my daughter decide to go behind my back and grow up? It seems like just last week we were watching Finding Nemo and Veggie Tales, drawing cutesy pictures together, and doing fun kid-friendly stuff.
Today I’ve been informed that holding your mom’s hand or—gasp!—hugging her in public is, and I quote, “for babies”. Oh my.
I admit it: I’m a mom who is having a tough time watching her babies grow up. I’ve spent nearly eleven years in this mom gig, and in that time I haven’t gotten my brain wrapped around the idea that my little ones won’t be little forever. I’m certain that a big part of my issue stems from the fact that because my daughter has challenges, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to shield her from potential dangers in the outside world. I know that this is no different from parents of neurotypical kids; but I think that because my daughter was unable to speak for herself for such a long time, the role of protector became a huge part of my identity as a parent. The image of a mama bear vehemently protecting her cubs comes to mind.
Don’t get me wrong; protecting our kids is a very important job. It’s one of the most important things we as parents do. But I’m realizing that the nature of that job is changing a little bit as my daughter gets older; and–like my daughter–I am resistant to change.
In the meantime, my little girl is morphing before my eyes. In many ways she’s like a typical tween girl, with interests similar to other girls in her peer group. Her personality is coming through, with tastes and preferences that are distinctly hers. In my daughter’s world, pink is the new black.