The weather is warming up and as it does, Espen finds ways to entertain and occupy himself. He finds the mud hole (or actually created one), he maneuvers his kayak down to the creek, he drags a garden hose to the trampoline. He tears up the field on a motorized gadget, he drags his ramps out and races his bike down the hill and jumps things. I watch. I put my frustration with what is about to become a giant mess aside and just watch.
Because while I like stepping outside to work in my garden or shop or sit on my porch and hear the quiet; we moved here for Espen’s benefit. And the benefits are numerous for him.
But part of this is because I put my frustrations aside and allow it. Yep. I allow it.
I allow him to roll in the mud. I have a spot I allow him to dig big holes (I had to make such a spot because there were holes all over the place). I allow spin outs in the field. I allow dirty clothes and muddy shoes. I allow this wild adventure he is on to be absolutely dirty.
I allow it because I see the absolute and total joy and abandon on my child’s face. I allow it because he is drawn to the wet and sludgey sensations to center himself. I allow it because he is outside playing in that mess instead of on an electronic device. I allow it. And I put my frustrations with the mess aside to the best of my ability.
This is by far the hardest part of parenting. Because I have to let go of my weird controlling habits of keeping things clean and orderly. My roll is to stimulate growth and joy in my child and help him learn to move through life being his best self. My job is to allow him to explore and immerse himself in what brings him happiness. I allow it, but I also do my best to teach him how to clean up said messes. Life is full of moments.... allow them and find ways to enjoy them.
