She's almost four and a half now, and very much a big girl, even though she's pretty tiny.
A few weeks ago, I decided to try reading a chapter book with her. I loved to read out loud as a kid, and I guess I still do love it. We started Little House in the Big Woods. I figured, if she wasn't into it, we would just put it away for another time. Well, we finished it, and we finished Little House on the Prairie, and now started Farmer Boy. She loves it and it's one of those little things that makes me feel like I'm doing a good job as a momma. Mia is a little young for it, but she'll sit and listen for a little bit before moving on to something more interesting.
It will be a big year for her. Turning five. Starting school. My heart isn't ready for all that. Truly. It literally makes my chest ache to think of sending my baby out on her own. Maybe I'm over-protective. Maybe I'm hormonal. Maybe I'm a sentimental sap. But I'm also her momma and know her better than any other person in the world. She is tender and innocent and sweet. She is shy and timid. She is sensitive and emotional. She is a tiny me. I know how hard it can be when tears flow too easily. I know she's also smart, and friendly with other kids, and creative. And going to school will help her blossom in new ways. But I don't want her to be ruined so soon. Ruined by mean kids, by being shuffled through a system that isn't flexible to individual needs, by being forced to grow up when I know she's perfectly happy being little.
This motherhood thing isn't for the faint of heart.
Aw, I know it's hard, but believe me--she won't be ruined.
ReplyDeleteNo one could ruin a kid with a mama like you!