Big Marine Park Reserve Play Area
Russ had a work event this evening, so it was just me and the little guy. I felt like we needed a field trip, so off we headed to Big Marine Park Reserve for some play time. We had a blast, and I, as usual, chased him around to keep him safe. As I've mentioned before, this park is a very safe place for toddlers, but he loves to run and doesn' t always know when to stop before the ledge appears. We were having a great time playing in the tubes that slant upward and downward when my little boy turned around and said, "Mommy Out!" I was stunned, in a way - my child didn't want me to help him? Is he capable of moving himself safely?
This moment caused me to pause and realize just how often I still hold his hand and guide him through many mundane tasks, probably out of a sense of routine more than anything. I consciously tried to back off after this, and you know what? He did JUST FINE on his own with many of the park's challenges! I believe that as a mom it is my job to make sure he is secure and safe, but I am also learning about the importance of letting him go to learn for himself. While I do not plan on hanging out on a park bench while he runs like a wild child across the equipment, I do intend to give him a bit more space and responsibility in our daily tasks. It will be a challenge for me, but I think both he and I will be better people for it.
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