I have two kids. One who wakes up each morning, walks to her dresser and takes out a fresh set of clothes. She changes, eats, drinks, brushes her teeth and puts on her lipstick. This is who she is. The only real rule I have given her is that she must brush her teeth before she puts on fresh lipstick in the morning because there’s something that just doesn’t sit right with me without brushing first.
But my other child does not do these things. Like all our favorite characters on television, he has a uniform. He wears this uniform regardless of day, time, or weather. He has his hair set in a style that needs the least amount of care. And he constantly questions why we need to brush or wash or do anything remotely close to making ourselves up.
And I love both of my children just the same. Equally in their own way. Their opposite duality is the balance I require as a Libra. Together they balance my scales and equally make me wonder what the heck my role is as a person in their lives. Because as a parent, I don’t feel like I have done my supposed duty of teaching them a “respectable” morning routine. I have certainly heard the criticisms. But here is what I feel they have taught me:
My daughter has taught me that she is going to present herself to the world in a particular way. My job is not to interfere with that. It’s definitely not to tell her what is the latest or greatest in trends or style or press upon her what I think she should be. But it most definitely is to support her artistry by listening and assisting her in manifesting the vision.
My son has taught me to question. Question everything. Question your toothpaste. Question the water. Question the whos, the whats and all the things in the world. Because if you are comfortable in your own version of the world- why would anything but that be necessary?
These are my children. Opposites. Balanced. Perfect. I could easily beat myself up about the fact that I can’t get them to replicate what I think is a more appropriate routine. And sometimes I do. But more often than not, I am learning to let go of what I have been taught is appropriate for presenting oneself and instead attempt to see my children as the people they are.
These are my children. Opposites. Balanced. Perfect. I could easily beat myself up about the fact that I can’t get them to replicate what I think is a more appropriate routine. And sometimes I do. But more often than not, I am learning to let go of what I have been taught is appropriate for presenting oneself and instead attempt to see my children as the people they are.
What are your morning challenges? What have you let go? What are your must dos? How do you accept the differences?
#teachlove #momguilt #parenting #lifelessons #balance #selfcare