I recently read this wonderful op-ed article in the New York Times: Notes from a Dragon Mom by Emily Rapp. Please pop over and have a read, if you haven’t already.
Most people will never experience the pain of parenting a terminally ill child. But Emily’s article is not just about her experience, it’s about all parents and children, and our constant reaching for the future. What stuck with me:
“And there’s this: parents who, particularly in this country, are expected to be superhuman, to raise children who outpace all their peers, don’t want to see what we see. The long truth about their children, about themselves: that none of it is forever.”
So slow down. Enjoy your pregnancy without counting down to your due date. Snuggle next to that newborn while he still sleeps most of the day. Stop and let your toddler examine every blade of grass. And really listen to what your child, or teenager, is saying. Our persistent push toward the future threatens these fleeting moments.
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What did you think of Notes from a Dragon Mom? Will it change how your parent your child today?
that’s a really good article. and a wonderful goal, simply slow down, be with you child. when you go for a walk with a one year old walk with her instead of walking ahead and then impatiently waiting. while you go slow you can say mantra or count leaves on trees. but try and slow your thoughts down too, so you are actually there with her. and if you succeed once a day, or once a week, acknowledge your success, it’s hard to go slow.
Thanks for the comment, Jennie! It really IS hard to go slow. There is something wonderfully meditative about being with a baby or child, though. If you can keep yourself present in the moment, that is. Tricky work, this parenting!