Updated: July 1, 2019
Originally Published: April 29, 2019
Being a parent often feels like a daily battle with failure. We strive to do our very best amidst a whirlwind of anxiety, doubt, and external opinions. Just when you think you’ve nailed it, motherhood has a way of knocking you off your feet. Today was no different, and I’m still metaphorically wincing from the experience I had this morning.
Let me paint a picture of our go-to playground, just a short five-minute drive from home. My kids and I frequent this spot; it’s usually a fun oasis, never too crowded, and conveniently close. Well, almost perfect—except for that slide:
From our very first visit, we established a firm rule about this slide. It’s ancient, towering, and every parent’s worst nightmare. Each trip, my kids plead, “Can we please use the slide?” I never hesitate. “No way,” I say. “It’s not safe. You might fall and get hurt.” The answer is always a definitive no.
This morning, however, we headed to the park and to my surprise, we had it all to ourselves. The sun was shining, the kids were joyfully swinging, spinning on the merry-go-round, climbing the monkey bars, and exploring the tunnels. Everything was going smoothly until my three-year-old asked the dreaded question, “Mommy, can we go down the slide?”
I looked into her hopeful eyes. She’s got such a strong spirit, full of energy. “Sweetheart, I’m worried you might get hurt.”
“But mom! I can do it! PLLLLEEEASSSSEEEE!”
What’s a mother to do? We can’t keep them wrapped in our arms forever, right? (If it were socially acceptable to bubble wrap them, I’d be the first in line). Every instinct screamed to say no. But for some reason, this time I said yes.
I wanted my children to be fearless, to shine with confidence, and to embrace new experiences. If I always told them no, wouldn’t they eventually stop asking? What lesson would that teach them? I didn’t want to stifle their adventurous spirit.
So, I walked my daughter and my two-year-old son over to that infamous slide. I crouched down to their level and went over safety rules. We talked about holding onto the handrail when climbing the steps, sitting down properly, and keeping their legs together to slide down safely. After what felt like an eternity of preparation and with my motherly anxiety at an all-time high, I finally let them go.
As expected, once I gave the green light, they dashed to the steps, eager to conquer the slide. They reached the top, sat down, and grinned at me with pure joy. My heart raced with a mix of pride and worry. They were following my instructions perfectly—taking turns, being cautious. I felt a wave of relief wash over me. “See?” I thought, “Sometimes, you just have to loosen up a bit.”
And then it happened: my two-year-old tumbled from the top of the slide. In that split second, I watched in horror as he leaned forward, somersaulted through the air, and landed on the ground. The screams echoed—his, my daughter’s, and mine.
Before I delve deeper, let me reassure you—he was just fine. The fall didn’t require a trip to the ER. Thanks to the cushy mulch from the recent rains, he bounced right back after a few cuddles and some dinosaur-shaped fruit snacks, ready to tackle the playground again—except that slide, which I was now ready to demolish myself.
Even when we try our hardest, sometimes we fail as parents. We all have those moments, some just hide theirs better than others. For me, sharing these experiences is therapeutic. It’s a conversation that often goes unspoken. The truth is, parenting doesn’t come with a manual; it’s a gray area with no definitive right or wrong answers.
A good friend once told me before I became a mother to trust my instincts. She warned me of the conflicting advice I’d encounter during my journey. “You are going to be that sweet little girl’s mother, and you will know her best,” she said. “Whatever choices you make out of love are the right ones.”
Those words resonate with me even now as a mother of three. Letting my kids try the slide stemmed from a desire for them to be brave and explore new things. Although the outcome wasn’t what I envisioned, my decision felt right in that moment. It was made with love and opened the door to a valuable lesson.
If you’re grappling with a recent parenting misstep or a difficult choice, know you’re not alone. We’re all navigating this challenging journey together. Whatever decisions you make for your children, as long as they’re rooted in love, they’re the right ones.
Summary:
In a personal reflection, a mother recounts the moment she allowed her children to use a risky slide at the park, leading to an unexpected fall. Despite her initial fears, she recognizes the importance of letting her kids take risks to build confidence and learn valuable lessons. This experience highlights the complexities of parenting, emphasizing that mistakes are part of the journey, and as long as decisions are made with love, they are valid.
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