Earlier this summer, I was bemoaning my most extroverted, high social battery child for asking me yet again to drive him somewhere. He said, "you could say no." I have done a lot of work around my desire for approval and peace, even in (maybe especially in) mothering and so I was able to appreciate his directness so much. I feel like I rounded a small curve in my mothering life with those words and am working on staying true to my boundaries and needs, even while knowing mothering will always require some degree of good sacrifice and care.
Nurturing, yes. Sacrifice? I wonder whether it might be possible to parent well without it. So much is tracked by the WHY behind each decision we make.
Earlier this summer, I was bemoaning my most extroverted, high social battery child for asking me yet again to drive him somewhere. He said, "you could say no." I have done a lot of work around my desire for approval and peace, even in (maybe especially in) mothering and so I was able to appreciate his directness so much. I feel like I rounded a small curve in my mothering life with those words and am working on staying true to my boundaries and needs, even while knowing mothering will always require some degree of good sacrifice and care.
What an amazing affirmation he gave you!
“I can say no.” Even if you don’t, you will feel more powerful and less trapped by requests.
Nurturing, yes. Sacrifice? I wonder whether it might be possible to parent well without it. So much is tracked by the WHY behind each decision we make.
Thank you so much for sharing my account! I’m truly grateful for your kind words and support. It means a lot to me.
Your connection means a lot to me! :D