It's a strange thing when you start to let your kids have more and more independence. I'm a homeschooler, right? So by nature, I keep my kids close and try to be very careful (read: controlling) about how and when they get to exercise some independence.
The first independent activity they got to do was hair cuts. Around the corner from our house (with no crossing of streets at all) was the cutest little barbershop, owned and run by a 30-ish guy. He was great with the kids and they loved to go there. The first time I let the boys bike there on their own was a couple of years ago. They took off with a Ziploc of money in their pocket all excited to be out on their own. I was fine -- till about 20 minutes later and my wild-brain took over. Within a few minutes however, I got a phone call from the barber letting me know the boys had just left and should be home any minute. I didn't even ask them to have him phone, he just knew.
Sadly, he's moved his barbershop across town, so this little outing of independence is no longer. It was funny how much they loved going there, all on their own to get their haircuts and lollipops.
This afternoon, they wanted to go to our local pond and I didn't have time to take them. So (without Jack of course) I let them walk there in their rubber boots all on their own. It was just before supper so I told them they could walk there, have about 20 minutes at the pond, and then walk home -- about 35 to 40 minutes away from my apron strings.
As they walked away, I was fine. I was actually just plain fine the whole time they were gone. For a moment, I realized that kids really have no concept of time and wondered what time they would actually come home. But when Jack and I walked to the corner, they were just coming over the little foot-bridge, right on time.
I realize it's good for them and it's good for me -- and may be I try to hang on to them a little longer than I should, but man, they're already growing up so fast, why would I want to rush them off, away from me? Plus, I like the pond.
hello my friend,
ReplyDeletejust to let you know...i have had pictures from my blog mixed with porn sent to my in-laws website..how bizarre is that. but it is kind of creepy that ANYONE can read these things..so, ok, paranoid that i am, have you listed your last name, city on your blog? if you have, then a post like this MIGHT be not the best. i know, i'm kind of a paranoid, but there's creepies out there. :) sorry.
but i agree, I sometimes have to force myself to let them go, little by little. so good for them, good for me. and to realize that GOD is always there, and He's much better than me. darci :)
ok I'm back feeling completely neurotic. (maybe I am). I'm sorry for my long rambling post..it's just totally that I know some scary privacy things that have happened to my blog friends, and some freaky stuff has happened out here lately, oh, and mark's gone (so I lie awake listening at night...) so forgive me if I came on all crazy whacked out lady.
ReplyDeletei lost your email address so i'm jsut going to let you have it all here (for all the world to read, lol).
So..the co-op thing. There is one mom just NOT putting anything into it, putting her kids in the activities and classes (they are 2 and 3) that I specified were for 5 and up..and I just hate confronting her. BUT..I have decided I have to, and I sent off an email today. It's hard bc I so don't want to be the hard-nose, control freakish person, but it really is not what this co-op thing was intended to me. Pray for the situation if you don't mind. I really prayed that God would give me words and that she would recieve it well.
how are you? we miss you guys and pray for you. i can't believe your little girl is six! although, i guess it makes sense since sammy will be 6 in a couple weeks. did you end up getting her a good pressie? :) i loved the converse hitop idea..i want some. anyway, longest comment i've ever written.
love, your neurotic, paranoid, control freakish friend. sigh.
darci :)