River is 10 today! This has been the slowest year in many ways. One in which she has had to speed up and thicken her skin so that she may mostly learn from home and flow with the many ups and downs of school and life. But also one where time has slowed down and almost every hour and minute, I watch as her mind and body make a fruitful transition. It has caused me to pause, step back, think clearer, act louder, retreat, and come back softer. Her growing has inevitably become a growing season for us all.
So while I’m not sure how one turned into nine. I can sincerely say (as of now) I can see how nine turned to ten. Not only how it arrived, but what stretched and bloomed in its path.
As River has gotten older, my approach to parenting has changed a great deal. I realize that these are the days. Yes, the first few years are important. But God, no one says that this is where they’re truly listening and watching! This is where all that intention talk comes into play. This is where the rope can become taut or loose. You can resist who your child is and is not becoming, or you can lean in and find a sweet spot that allows for boundaries, care, and even friendship.
When I think about my own childhood, I remember these as the days when my mother was her most attentive. And while our parenting style diverges, I am honored to be able to still hold those years of my own so close as my compass as I raise a pre-teen girl.
I want to keep River soft, artistic, aware, empathetic, generous and genuinely kind. And this year I was reminded that if I just let her, she will be. If I just let myself be vulnerable around her too, she will be. Raising a pre-teen (so far) feels like the softest call of time. An inner child that is so vastly different and the same, always stands within proximity.
Here’s to growing, learning, and staying soft.
I’m feeling this way with my daughter too. Thanks for writing this post
Happy 10th to River. My daughter will be 8 and I see that shift from her being a little girl to becoming an older girl. Today is a gorgeous day. I hope she enjoys every minute of day 1 as a 10 year old.
I feel this to my core, thank you for your words. I have a 10.5 year old son and have become so grateful for this time to really see him grow.
Happy Birthday to River, may 10 be everything she wishes it to be!
Happy ten years as a mother (plus being pregnant, which I think should count) to YOU! And a happy birthday to River!
Thank you so much Katie!!!!
I’m noticing so many of these moments myself the past few months. I’ve been thinking of your words that seemed to echo this space in our lives. Thank you for reminding me to “lean in and find a sweet spot that allows for boundaries, care, and even friendship.”
My son is 9 and three quarters and I love him so so much.
Love this , and congratulations to you and River 🙂