Lately our “easy” one has gotten…..shall we say… “challenging.” Our little boy who bopped along unaffected is now, at times, very affected. Along with that comes emotions and lots of them. This transition has been especially difficult for me because I keep wondering where that other little boy wandered off to. I know he will be back (hopefully soon), and in the meantime, I hear his little voice in my head when times get tough reminding me that he is still just a little boy.

I’m just a little boy fascinated by doodlebugs even though you literally trip over me when I bend down to look.

I’m just a little boy missing my daddy. I know I act differently when he travels for work.

I’m just a little boy trying to dress myself. It’s still really hard, and that is why sometimes I stop trying.

I’m just a little boy with so many questions. It’s how I make sense of my world. I know I ask the next one before you’ve answered the first.

I’m just a little boy who wants to build a tower without having anyone knock it over. I worked really hard on it.

I’m just a little boy trying to put on his shoes. I really don’t know if it’s the right foot yet. That’s why I ask you every time.

I’m just a little boy who gets lonely in the morning waiting until my clock turns green. That’s why I come downstairs so much before it’s really time for me to wake up.

I’m just a little boy who still doesn’t know the difference between yesterday and tomorrow. I’m still trying to figure out what happens when.

I’m just a little boy trying to be a good big brother and a good little brother. That’s why I bother my sister and take things from my brother sometimes. I’m literally stuck in the middle.

I’m just a little boy who is changing. I’m working on doing big boy things, but I’m still little. There is a lot I can’t do. 

Thinking about these moments from his perspective has helped me so much. It’s the deep breath in the midst of a heated moment that calms the storm and allows me to proceed with caution as well as with a heart full of love and compassion (most of the time!). He is little. It is hard. Reminding myself that he feels the same way has somehow made it all the more bearable.

He’s just a little boy, and I’m so lucky to be his mom.

Find the joy,

Jessica

Jessica McCauley, M.Ed. is a parenting coach/consultant. She draws on her background as a Montessori educator and Child Life Specialist to help families navigate the challenges of the early childhood years. Contact Jessica at http://smallhandsbigsteps.com/contact/ for more information or to schedule a consultation.