Let Them Play
I used to be that mom. The mom with an arsenal of baby wipes and wet washcloths at the ready, constantly wiping faces and feet and God forbid they wear those brand new shoes outside. Oh you want to catch bugs and lizards? Um, how about no.
Then I came to my senses. Gone were the days when I really gave a second thought to my children playing in the mud, exploring the sights and sounds around them, and just being kids. Slowly and surely I was letting that part of my ever present helicopter parenting go and I couldn’t be happier.
Kids are curious by nature, I was done with hindering that curiosity.
I stopped hovering, I stopped being so cautious of every little thing, every speck of dirt, every bug. I slowly have learned to let my kids be more adventurous in their backyard playing. My 6 year old is fascinated by all things reptile and amphibian. I wouldn’t have known that had I not let him catch lizards and frogs til his heart was content. Y’all want to play in a mud puddle? Cool, have fun just don’t track mud inside. You went digging for earthworms? Wow, that’s so much fun!
As I watch my children revel in the joy of childhood exploration, mud-splattered and grinning from ear to ear, I can’t help but marvel at the transformation in our lives. Gone are the moments of meticulous caution, replaced by a newfound freedom to let them play, to let them discover the world around them with unabashed enthusiasm. Embracing this shift has not only allowed my children to thrive in their natural curiosity but has also granted me the precious gift of moments to myself. As they forge connections with the Earth and all its wonders, I find comfort in knowing that they are not only learning but also growing in harmony with nature.
